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SCOTT STEPP's avatar

SCOTT STEPP

Deloitte Hermitage/Nashville Team

"Learn, Grow, and Help the Environment"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 35 TODAY
  • 140 THIS WEEK
  • 737 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    2.0
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    1.0
    Carbon Footprint
    Calculated
  • UP TO
    1.0
    community event
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    1.0
    energy audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    10
    hours
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    40
    miles
    not traveled by car
  • UP TO
    40
    miles
    traveled by foot
  • UP TO
    150
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    1.0
    minute
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    27
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    1.0
    public official or leader
    contacted
  • UP TO
    1.0
    waste audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water footprint
    calculated

SCOTT's actions

Climate + Air

Choose Renewable Energy

Renewable energy options are becoming more widespread and accessible. Not only are they good for the planet, they can help save money as well. I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will contact them to advocate for this option in the future.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Climate + Air

Stay on the Ground

Carbon emissions from air travel is harmful to planetary and human health. Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Climate + Air

Online Energy Audit

Energy use and waste is often invisible. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Climate + Air

Calculate My Carbon Impact

Carbon emissions can show up in many surprising ways in our life. I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how lifestyle changes could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Regenerative Agriculture and Me

Regenerative agriculture focuses on farming and ranching in a way that supports life and restores the soil. I will spend 1 minutes learning about regenerative agriculture and find out if any nearby farms practice regenerative agriculture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Explore My Area

When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 1 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood, office, or campus (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Advocate for Forest Protection

Using my voice can help create a more sustainable and just world. I will contact 1 local, regional, or national decision makers to advocate for public policy that protects forests and improves their ability to sequester carbon and nourish biodiversity.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Personal Waste Audit

The waste we create daily can go unnoticed. I will track the waste I create in a day and post a photo log on the feed to see how much I create and where I can make different choices to reduce my waste going forward.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Zero Waste Day

The impacts of our waste are far reaching. I will create zero waste for an entire day and share my reflections and learnings on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Freshwater + Oceans

Smart Seafood Choices

We need to support healthy seafood populations. I will spend 1 minutes learning about sustainable seafood choices, commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean, and share what I learned on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Freshwater + Oceans

Low Water Gardening

Grass lawns are water-intensive and on average require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. Native plants are water-efficient and help maintain the balance and diversity of local ecosystems. I will plant native species with water-efficient plants to conserve water and improve the habitat, then post a photo on the feed to share.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Freshwater + Oceans

Reduce Pollutants in Cleaning

Understanding cleaning product ingredients and their effect on water and biodiversity is helpful to our consumer choices. I will spend 1 minutes learning about how cleaning products affect our water and try making my own cleaning products to reduce pollutants.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Freshwater + Oceans

Understand My Water Footprint

Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Pick Up the Phone

I will gather a group of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues to make 01 phone calls to public officials or companies to advocate for planet-friendly policies.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans

I will spend 100 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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Join a Cleanup Effort

I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Climate + Air

Low Carbon Diet

Carbon is emitted into the atmosphere in a variety of ways, including through the foods we eat and food we waste. I will learn about low carbon foods and replace higher carbon foods with them in my diet.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Biodiversity + Wildlife

Leave No Trace

I will respect and protect biotic communities by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace whenever I am outside.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Land + Forests

Carry My Trash

I will carry all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash with me this month, to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill. I will post on the feed my reflections, conversations, and actions I will take moving forward.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Climate + Air

Use Muscle Power

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Climate + Air

Declutter My Home Without the Landfill

Each day, I will learn about responsible ways to dispose of items and de-clutter, clean, donate, repurpose or recycle unneeded items in my home to make sure that what I get rid of doesn't go into the landfill.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Action Track: Community

Borrow Before I Buy

Why buy something I will only use once or a few times if someone nearby has it for me to borrow, and why not share something I have that someone may only need a few times a year? To reduce my consumption and waste, I will create or support the sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Volunteer in my Community

I will volunteer 100 hours in my community.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land + Forests Personal Waste Audit
    What are the results of your waste audit and what did you learn? How can you reduce your waste going forward?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/12/2024 8:14 AM
    Ways to Reduce Waste Going Forward

    1. Food Waste: Meal plan more effectively to prevent overbuying and spoilage. Compost organic waste when possible.
    2. Plastic Packaging: Opt for loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged ones. Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and other items to reduce dependence on single-use plastics.
    3. Paper Waste: Switch to digital news sources or books if possible. If paper is necessary, ensure it is properly recycled.
    4. Miscellaneous Waste: Try to repair items rather than discarding them. Recycle whenever possible and buy items with less packaging.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land + Forests Zero Waste Day
    What was hard about having a Zero Waste Day? What did you learn about yourself and your habits?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/12/2024 8:12 AM
    Challenges of a Zero Waste Day

    1. Convenience: Modern lifestyles are often centered around convenience, which frequently comes with non-reusable packaging. It can be challenging to find zero waste alternatives for everyday items.
    2. Planning: A zero waste lifestyle requires a lot of planning. For instance, you might need to prepare meals at home to avoid takeout containers or carry reusable bags, utensils, and water bottles.
    3. Access to Bulk Stores: Not everyone has access to stores that sell bulk items or allow shoppers to use their own containers.
    4. Cost: Some zero waste items, like reusable containers or specialty products, can be more expensive upfront.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Freshwater + Oceans Understand My Water Footprint
    What did you learn about your water footprint and what are you going to do to reduce and be aware of the water you use?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:26 AM
    Understanding Your Water Footprint:

    A water footprint is the total volume of fresh water used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual or community. It includes water used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining landscapes, but also the water used to produce food, energy, clothes, cars, and other goods.

    Steps to Reduce Your Water Footprint:

    1. Mindful Consumption: Be aware of the water footprint of the products you consume. For instance, meat, especially beef, has a larger water footprint than plant-based foods. By reducing meat consumption, you can significantly lower your water footprint.
    2. Efficient Water Use: Use water-saving appliances, fix leaks promptly, and use efficient irrigation systems if you maintain a landscape. This can greatly reduce the amount of water you use directly.
    3. Recycle Water: Collect rainwater for gardening or reuse greywater (from washing dishes or clothes) for flushing toilets or watering plants.
    4. Buy Less, Waste Less: A lot of water is used to produce goods. By buying less and wasting less, you can reduce the water used to produce the goods you consume.
    5. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about water issues in your region and globally, and share this knowledge with others. Education is a powerful tool for change.
    Remember, reducing your water footprint is not just about using less water directly, but also about making choices that reduce the amount of water used to produce the goods and services you consume.

    • Lauryn Duoto's avatar
      Lauryn Duoto 4/11/2024 7:47 AM
      Maintaining a low-meat diet in the household has huge water footprint benefits!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Freshwater + Oceans Reduce Pollutants in Cleaning
    What did you learn about ingredients in our cleaning products and how they impact water and biodiversity? Did you try making your own cleaning products? If so, how did it go?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:25 AM
    Impact of Cleaning Products on Water and Biodiversity:

    Many commercially available cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to water ecosystems and biodiversity. Ingredients such as phosphates, nonylphenols, and triclosan can be toxic to aquatic life, even in small quantities. When these substances are washed down the drain, they can end up in rivers and oceans, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

    Phosphates, for example, can cause excessive growth of algae (eutrophication) that depletes oxygen in water bodies, harming fish and other aquatic species. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that can disrupt the endocrine system of aquatic organisms.

    Making Your Own Cleaning Products:

    Making your own cleaning products can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. Homemade cleaners often use natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils that are less harmful to water ecosystems and biodiversity.

    Here's a simple recipe for a homemade all-purpose cleaner:

    • 1 cup of white vinegar
    • 1 cup of water
    • Lemon rind
    • Rosemary sprigs
    Combine the above ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, then let infuse for a week before using.

    Making your own cleaning products not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding substances you might be allergic to or find irritating. However, it's important to note that while homemade cleaners can be effective for many tasks, they may not kill all types of germs, such as those that cause serious illnesses.

    Therefore, it's essential to use products as needed based on the level of cleaning required. For example, in situations where disinfection is necessary (like cleaning surfaces that raw meat has touched), it might be necessary to use a commercial disinfectant.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Freshwater + Oceans Low Water Gardening
    What are the most prominent water concerns in your area? Examples include drought, flooding, pollution, access, security, and privatization.

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:24 AM
    As an artificial intelligence, I don't have a physical presence or a specific geographical location, thus I don't have personal experiences or local concerns. However, I can provide general information about common water-related issues that various regions may face.

    1. Drought: In arid regions and places with inconsistent rainfall, such as California or Australia, drought is a major concern. It can lead to water scarcity, impacting agriculture, wildlife, and human consumption.
    2. Flooding: In coastal areas or regions with heavy rainfall, flooding can be a significant issue. It can lead to property damage, displacement of people, and contamination of water supplies.
    3. Pollution: Industrial areas, densely populated cities, or regions with intensive agriculture may struggle with water pollution from sources like chemical waste, sewage, and fertilizers.
    4. Access: In developing countries or remote regions, access to clean, safe drinking water can be a critical issue. Lack of infrastructure, contamination, and poverty can all contribute to water insecurity.
    5. Security: In politically unstable regions or places with shared water resources, water security can be a concern. Disputes over water rights can lead to conflict.
    6. Privatization: In some areas, the privatization of water resources can lead to concerns about equitable access and affordability. It can also raise issues about accountability for water quality and supply management.
    To find out about specific water concerns in your area, I would recommend checking local news sources, government environmental agencies, or water management bodies. They can provide up-to-date and relevant information for your particular location.





    Disclaimer: Sidekick has access to a curated set of Deloitte content. The above response is generated by Azure OpenAI and not using Deloitte's internal data sources











  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Freshwater + Oceans Smart Seafood Choices
    Many states and countries have advisories on eating fish. Find out what is advised for your region. Do you think your diet choices fall within these guidelines? What steps do you need to take to make sure that they do?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:23 AM
    Finding Fish Consumption Advisories:

    1. Government Websites: Check the website of your local or national health department or environmental agency. They often provide advisories on eating fish, particularly concerning local species.
    2. Local Health Facilities: Contact local health facilities or community health centers. They may provide information or guidance about local fish consumption advisories.
    3. Seafood Watch: Organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch provide comprehensive guides on which types of seafood are best to eat in terms of sustainability and health, which can be a good reference.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate + Air Calculate My Carbon Impact
    Where in your life do you emit the most carbon? What change are you willing to make in your daily life to reduce this output?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:22 AM
    Common Sources of Carbon Emissions:

    1. Transportation: Cars, planes, and other forms of transportation are major sources of carbon emissions. Even electric cars emit carbon if the electricity they use is generated from fossil fuels.
    2. Home Energy Use: The energy used to heat, cool, and power homes often comes from burning fossil fuels, which emits carbon dioxide.
    3. Food: The production, transportation, and disposal of food all contribute to carbon emissions. Meat and dairy are particularly high in emissions due to the methane produced by livestock.
    4. Goods and Services: The production and delivery of goods and services we use every day contribute to carbon emissions. This includes everything from clothing to electronics to professional services.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate + Air Online Energy Audit
    Where did you do an energy audit (work, home, school, other) and what did you learn?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:21 AM
    What You Can Learn From an Energy Audit:

    1. Energy Consumption: An audit can reveal how much energy your building uses and which systems or appliances are the most energy-intensive.
    2. Inefficiencies: An energy audit can identify areas where energy is being wasted. This could be due to old or inefficient appliances, poor insulation, leaks in the building envelope, or inefficient lighting systems.
    3. Improvement Opportunities: The audit can provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency. This might include upgrading appliances, improving insulation, fixing leaks, or changing energy usage behaviors.
    4. Potential Savings: Based on the audit findings, you can calculate potential energy and cost savings that could be achieved by implementing the recommended improvements.
    5. Environmental Impact: The audit can also help you understand your building's environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
    If you want to conduct an energy audit, you could hire a professional energy auditor. For a simple home audit, there are online tools and checklists that can guide you through the process. Remember, the goal of an energy audit is to identify ways to save energy, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate + Air Stay on the Ground
    What was your process like for restructuring your trip? How can you avoid more air travel in the future?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:20 AM
    Restructuring a Trip:

    1. Consider Other Modes of Transportation: Look into alternatives like trains, buses, or car travel. These modes can often be just as convenient and may provide opportunities to see more of the landscape along the way.
    2. Maximize Each Trip: If you must fly, try to maximize your time in each location to reduce the frequency of flights. Consider visiting multiple destinations in one trip if they are close to one another.
    3. Flexible Scheduling: Be flexible with your schedule if possible. This can allow you to take advantage of less busy travel periods or to use slower, lower-carbon modes of transportation.
    4. Local Experiences: Instead of focusing on distant destinations, explore local or regional attractions. This can reduce the need for air travel and support local economies.
    Avoiding Air Travel in the Future:

    1. Virtual Meetings: For business travel, consider virtual meetings or conferences. Advances in technology have made virtual collaboration more effective and accessible.
    2. Slow Travel: Embrace "slow travel," spending more time in fewer destinations. This can reduce the need for frequent flights and allow you to have a deeper experience in each place.
    3. Support Sustainable Airlines: When you must fly, choose airlines that are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as using more fuel-efficient aircraft or investing in sustainable fuels.
    4. Offset Carbon Emissions: Consider carbon offset programs, which can balance out the emissions from your flights by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases.
    5. Staycations: Consider "staycations," where you take time off but stay in your local area, exploring local attractions and activities.
    Reducing air travel can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability efforts. However, it's important to balance this with your personal and professional needs. With thoughtful planning and flexibility, it's often possible to find a suitable compromise.

    • Dani Matz's avatar
      Dani Matz 4/11/2024 7:21 AM
      This is super thorough and helpful to read through!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate + Air Choose Renewable Energy
    If you are already signed up for your utility's renewable option, what other steps can you take each day to reduce your electricity usage? If your company doesn't offer a renewable option, were they open to your request of this in the future?

    SCOTT STEPP's avatar
    SCOTT STEPP 4/11/2024 7:19 AM
    Reducing Electricity Usage:

    1. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models. Look for ENERGY STAR certified products.
    2. Smart Thermostats: Utilize programmable thermostats to optimize heating and cooling schedules, reducing energy use when you're not home.
    3. LED Lighting: Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs which are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
    4. Unplug Devices: Unplug electronic devices when not in use. Even when turned off, some devices still draw power (known as "phantom load").
    5. Optimize Laundry: Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry when possible. When using a dryer, clean the lint filter after each use to improve air circulation.
    6. Energy Audit: Consider getting an energy audit. An auditor can identify areas in your home where energy is being lost and provide recommendations.
    Approaching Your Utility Company: