Vijay Anbazhagan

Learn about sustainability by taking two Green Pill modules on Emerson Learn. Choose the topics that appeal to you most!

Wasting food also wastes water, energy, and resources. I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation, and commit to reducing my food waste throughout the challenge.

Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.

Sites of cultural and spiritual significance hold deep meaning for many communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. I will learn about or visit a site near me that is significant to the history, culture, or environment of the area. I will approach my visit with respect by researching its importance and guidelines beforehand, reflecting on how we can preserve these spaces for future generations.

Small contributions can drive big ideas. I will support a crowdfunded sustainability project to help bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to life and share the project on social media or on the Ecochallenge feed.

Extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods can disrupt lives and upend our communities. I will take proactive steps to prepare for extreme weather by safeguarding my home and creating or updating an emergency plan and kit with essential supplies, evacuation routes, and contact information.

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 60 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 5 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

Landscaping with native plants, gardening, and having plants inside can have benefits for nature and our health. I will plant or adopt a new plant or grow one from seeds and post a photo of it to the feed.

Meditation helps build resilience and clarity. I will spend 60 minutes each day to meditate or create a moment of silence each day to reflect on things important to me.

Being a responsible tourist means not disturbing wildlife and choosing eco-friendly tour operators and destinations that prioritize wildlife conservation and respect animal welfare. I will spend 10 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

When companies and governments make large-scale changes to their products and practices, it makes sustainability more accessible to the masses, in turn creating further demand for sustainable products, and the cycle continues. I will advocate for improved, sustainable food packaging through petitions, letters, or by supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging - and share my advocacy actions on the feed.

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for 2 outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.

Knowledge of local resources helps communities thrive. I will learn about local resources, especially mutual aid groups, and share them with others on social media, in conversations, or in other ways that help spread the word.

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 5 swaps or sharing activities, like borrowing items, attending or hosting a swap meet, or giving away items I no longer need to support a sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.

There are many amazing projects supporting wildlife and their habitats. I will choose a project or organization to support that helps species and habitats I care about and make a donation.

Sustainable investments shape a greener future. I will research and invest in companies, funds, or projects that supports sustainability, such as renewable energy, green tech, or sustainable practices. I will share more about who I supported with others on social media or in the Ecochallenge feed.

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write 5 letters or emails per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar storage).

Clean energy should be accessible to all. I will support, donate, or volunteer to help programs that bring solar energy to low-income communities, helping create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Investing in young leaders helps shape the future. I will make a donation to a program or organization that supports emerging environmental leaders.

Youth-led projects drive innovation and change. I will support youth-led environmental projects by offering time, resources, or encouragement and share how I supported youth on the Ecochallenge feed.

A bio-blitz helps youth engage with local biodiversity. I will organize or participate in a bio-blitz with young people to identify and document the plants, animals, and insects in our area.

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 5 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

Conserving water helps protect this precious resource. I will shorten my showers to 5 minutes to save water and reduce energy use - each time saving up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water!