- Tea Bags: The thin layer of plastic helps seal the bags, but it means they’re not fully compostable. Consider switching to loose-leaf tea or look for plastic-free tea bags.
- Chewing Gum: Some chewing gums contain synthetic rubber, which is essentially a type of plastic. Opt for natural gum made from chicle or other plant-based ingredients.
- Receipts: Thermal paper receipts often have a coating containing bisphenol A (BPA), a type of plastic. To reduce exposure, decline receipts whenever possible or ask for digital receipts.
- Clothing: Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are essentially plastic fibers. When washing these clothes, tiny microplastics shed into the water. Consider choosing natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool.
- Produce Bags: Those thin plastic bags at the grocery store for fruits and vegetables? They’re often single-use and contribute to plastic waste. Bring your own reusable produce bags or skip them altogether.
Hari Krishnan
"The choices we make today shapes the world we'll live in tomorrow."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 90 THIS WEEK
- 992 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO16poundsfood waste prevented
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UP TO34pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO125plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO121single-use bagsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO816gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO31advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO2.0community eventshosted or attended
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UP TO1.0hourvolunteered
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UP TO106public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO4.0treesplanted
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UP TO10minutesspent learning
Hari's actions
Freshwater + Oceans
Say No to Plastic Straws
An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When marine wildlife ingest plastic, they have a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 6 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.
Climate + Air
Weekly Meal Planning
One third of all food produced worldwide is wasted, and so is the energy it takes to produce and transport that food. I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need and eating what I planned each day.
Action Track: Community
Write Letters or Emails
I will gather a group of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues and write 5 letters or emails to public officials or companies to advocate for planet-friendly policies.
Freshwater + Oceans
Go Plastic-Free
Millions of tons of plastic is produced each year worldwide. Each day, I will conduct a plastics audit of what I buy and use throughout the challenge (kitchen, bathroom, personal care products, etc.), to see how single-use plastic shows up in my life. I will find plastic-free alternatives to these products and advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, product manufacturers, at work, or on campus.
Freshwater + Oceans
Join a Cleanup Effort
I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.
Action Track: Community
Plant Trees
Trees capture carbon and produce oxygen that is essential to life on earth. I will support this important piece of nature by organizing or joining a community group to plant 5 native trees in my community, public parks, office location, campus or backyard.
Action Track: Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 4 hours in my community.
Action Track: Community
JOIN OR CREATE A GREEN TEAM AT EMERSON
I will continue to contribute to Emerson's environmental sustainability goals beyond April by learning more about the Global Green Teams Network, joining a team near me, or maybe even creating a new team.
Action Track: Community
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE NEWS ON SUSTAINABILITY AT EMERSON
I will sign up to the Sustainability Aficionados distribution list to receive global news on sustainability at Emerson, including world news and Greening OF, BY, and WITH news.
Action Track: Community
ATTEND THE ECOCHALLENGE CONSERVATION WEBINAR
On Wed 24th April, I will attend the Earth Month Ecochallenge Webinar on Conservation to learn about what individuals, companies and other organizations can do to promote biodiversity and nature protection.
Land + Forests
Choose Eco-Friendly Wood and Paper
Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. Buying products that help protect forests makes a difference. I will only purchase wood, furniture, and paper products from ecologically certified sources such as Forest Stewardship Council.
Action Track: Community
Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans
I will spend 20 minutes learning more about the importance of freshwater + ocean conservation, and how I can reduce my water use. I will share what I learn with people in person, on social media, and on the feed.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Use Reusable Bags
Plastic bags can be mistaken for food by many wild animals and can end up in habitats that harm wildlife. I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.
Climate + Air
Sustainability Lunch and Learn
Learning in a social setting can inspire connection and change. I will work with a friend or colleague to plan and host a lunch and learn at work, school, in my neighborhood or other location to learn more about an environmental topic important to me. After the lunch and learn, I will share more about it on the feed.
Action Track: Community
Share My "Why"
I will record a video to share why I am taking action this Earth Month, a sustainable swap I've made, and/or a local conservation effort in my area.
Participant Feed
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
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Hari Krishnan 4/30/2024 5:02 AMDAY 30: Consume less; share better. -
Hari Krishnan 4/29/2024 2:05 AMDAY29 : Recycle everything you can. The less trash that goes into landfills, the better it is for the planet.-
Shiella Mae Rose Escuadra 4/29/2024 2:07 AMAgree!
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Hari Krishnan 4/28/2024 6:39 AMDAY 28 : What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. -
Hari Krishnan 4/27/2024 12:24 PMDAY 27: There is no such thing as ‘away.’ When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.-
Carmen Deale 4/27/2024 1:06 PMThank you for sharing Hari. And that somewhere is the question where things goes. Whether, its recycling, good will, or in-kind donations, all things must go somewhere.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Go Plastic-FreeWhere did plastic show up on your life that surprised you the most? What plastic alternative products did you discover you may switch to?
Hari Krishnan 4/26/2024 1:40 AMPlastic has become an integral part of our lives, and its ubiquity can be surprising. Here are some instances where plastic unexpectedly shows up and alternative products you might consider: -
Hari Krishnan 4/26/2024 1:36 AMDAY 26: We have the power to change the narrative. Let’s rewrite the story of our planet and ensure that it’s a tale of resilience, sustainability, and hope.-
HABEEB MOOLAYIL 4/26/2024 1:40 AM100% correct
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Hari Krishnan 4/25/2024 7:27 AMDAY 25: Healthy ecology is the basis for a healthy economy. -
Hari Krishnan 4/25/2024 7:24 AMEcosystem conservation is a collective effort, and every individual can make a positive impact. -
Hari Krishnan 4/23/2024 9:19 PMDAY 24: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
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Hari Krishnan 4/23/2024 9:16 PMClimate change is already having visible effects on our planet, and these impacts are expected to intensify if we don’t take significant action. Here are some key effects of climate change:- Warming Temperatures: Average global temperatures have risen by more than 1°C since the 1850s. The years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were the hottest ever recorded. This warming trend is a result of human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Climate change affects the hydrological cycle, leading to altered rainfall patterns. Some regions experience more intense rainfall and flooding, while others face prolonged droughts.
- Rising Sea Levels: Melting polar ice and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels. Coastal regions are at risk of flooding, and storm surges can reshape coastlines.