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Vugar Aliyev's avatar

Vugar Aliyev

Emerson MEA - Central Region (Abu Dhabi)

"By participating in the Ecochallenge, we aim to reduce waste, conserve resources, and support ecosystems while fostering a global community of sustainability advocates. Together, we can make everyday choices that create a lasting positive impact on the Earth."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 285 THIS WEEK
  • 1,369 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    5.0
    environmental audits
    conducted
  • UP TO
    1.0
    sharing economy
    explored
  • UP TO
    3.0
    new places
    explored
  • UP TO
    6.0
    products
    replaced
  • UP TO
    1.0
    carbon footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    10
    lightbulbs
    replaced
  • UP TO
    1.0
    energy audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    2.0
    water collection systems
    installed
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    1,800
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    10
    donations
    made
  • UP TO
    1.0
    community event
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    5.0
    ideas
    shared
  • UP TO
    5.0
    minutes
    spent learning

Vugar's actions

Share My Why

Take the Earth Month Ecochallenge Feedback Survey

I will take a short survey about my experience to help the Ecochallenge team improve future events, earn a chance to win a prize, and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Take the Green Pill Trainings on Emerson Learn

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Go Get a Check Up

Regular health check-ups help prevent problems before they start. I will schedule or attend a medical, dental, or mental health check-up to take care of my well-being.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Save Water When Washing Dishes

Dishwashers can save water — if used wisely. I will only run the dishwasher when it’s full and skip the pre-rinse to reduce water and energy use. If I don't have a dishwasher, I will turn off the tap as often as possible while washing dishes.

COMPLETED 24
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Reduce Vehicle Idling

Idling cars wastes fuel, contributes to climate change, and pollutes the air in our communities. I will turn off my engine when waiting in my car to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

COMPLETED 24
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Exercise Daily

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 120 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

COMPLETED 24
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Replace a Product

Small changes can make a big difference for health and sustainability. Using what I learned from auditing ingredients in the products I use, I will replace 5 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Choose a Product Made with Sustainable Materials

Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

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

Land, Water, and Air

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Reducing energy use helps protect the air and climate. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy and reduce pollution.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 3 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Conduct an Audit with a Young Person

Learning by doing empowers youth. I will conduct an environmental audit — such as a home energy or waste audit — alongside a young person to teach them practical sustainability skills and see what I learn from them as well.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Plant (or Adopt) a Plant

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Become a Sustainability Aficionado or Invite a Colleague!

Become a Sustainability Aficionado or invite one of your colleagues to join if you're already tuned into the program. 

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Calculate My Carbon Impact

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Learn About Water Justice

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 5 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Invest in the Future of Sustainability

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Donate to Support Wildlife

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Reduce Refined Sugar

Cutting back on refined sugar can improve energy, mood, and overall health. I will limit my intake of sugary snacks and drinks by reducing refined sugar in meals or snacks each day.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Swap and Share with Others

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 2 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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Collect Rain Water

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Replace Old Bulbs with LED Bulbs

Energy-efficient lighting is a bright idea. I will replace 10 incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Host a Bio-blitz

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Share Information about Local Resources

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Produce No Waste for a 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 8
DAILY ACTIONS

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?


  • Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/23/2025 8:18 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    It’s not just helping the planet—it’s saving money and building healthier habits too.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What did you discover during your energy audit that you weren’t aware of before? What steps will you take to reduce energy use, and how will they benefit both the environment and your household?

    Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/23/2025 8:16 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    During the audit, I realized that a lot of energy was being wasted through small things I didn’t think about it
    Steps to reduce energy use:
    Switch to LED lighting – Uses far less energy and lasts longer.
    Unplug or use smart power strips – Helps eliminate phantom loads.
    Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances – Like Energy Star-rated fridges and washing machines.
    Benefits:
    Environmental: Less energy consumption means a smaller carbon footprint, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less strain on the power grid.
    Household: Lower utility bills, improved indoor comfort, and potentially increased home value.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What surprised you most about your water footprint, and how did it influence your perspective on water use? What changes can you make to reduce your water consumption, and how will these impact your daily routine?

    Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/22/2025 10:01 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    As for daily changes, I’ve started installing water-efficient fixtures, reusing greywater for plants, and spacing out laundry loads to make them more efficient. They’re small tweaks, but over time, they reduce both my water use and my utility bills—plus, they feel like a more responsible way to live. 💧🌿
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    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?

    Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/22/2025 9:59 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    For me, the biggest chunk of my carbon footprint probably comes from transportation, especially car travel. While it's sometimes necessary for work and convenience, I'm becoming more intentional about reducing those trips when possible.
    One change I'm committing to is integrating more biking and walking into my daily routine, especially for short errands or commutes. Not only does it cut emissions, but it’s also a great way to stay active and present. Every small shift counts. 🌍🚶‍♂️🚲


  • Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/21/2025 10:35 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Using solar panels is a huge win not just for your energy footprint, but also indirectly for water, since traditional power generation (like coal or nuclear) uses a surprising amount of water for cooling. You're already making a meaningful impact. Installing low-flow fixtures is a smart next step. They can cut water usage by up to 60% in some cases without sacrificing performance. Plus, they often come with rebates or incentives depending on where you live.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Sustainable Innovation
    How did replacing old bulbs with LED bulbs make you feel about reducing your energy consumption? What other small energy-saving actions could you take to reduce your environmental impact?

    Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/21/2025 10:23 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Switching from old bulbs to LED bulbs often brings a sense of satisfaction—it's a simple change that makes a big difference. It feels good to know you're using less energy, lowering your electricity bill, and reducing your carbon footprint all at once. LEDs last longer too, so there's less waste and hassle with replacements.

  • Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/21/2025 12:40 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Yesterday, I was walking around Heritage Village and noticed a lot of cigarette butts along the coast. I picked them all up and disposed of them properly.
    'The cleanliness of our planet is in our hands' is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting and preserving the environment. Our planet’s health is not just the responsibility of governments or large organizations—it’s up to each of us, in our daily choices, to make a difference."
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Empowering the Next Generation
    How did participating in a bio-blitz with young people enhance their understanding of local biodiversity? What impact do you think activities like a bio-blitz have on inspiring youth to protect nature?

    Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/21/2025 12:28 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Participating in a bio-blitz with young people can be a total game-changer for their understanding of local biodiversity. It turns abstract concepts from the classroom into real, tangible experiences—suddenly, "biodiversity" isn't just a word in a textbook; it's the bug crawling on a leaf, the bird singing overhead, the moss clinging to a rock.

    Hands-on learning: Instead of just reading about ecosystems, they’re in them—observing, identifying, and recording species. That kind of active involvement sticks way more than passive learning.

    Local connection: They discover just how much life exists right around them, not just in faraway rainforests or national parks. That connection creates a sense of ownership and pride in their environment.

    Scientific thinking: They learn basic observation, data collection, and critical thinking—skills that build scientific literacy in a fun, engaging way.

    Basically, bio-blitzes help young people see themselves as part of the ecosystem, not separate from it. And that shift in perspective? Super powerful.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What was hard about having a Zero Waste Day? What did you learn about yourself and your habits?

    Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/20/2025 2:02 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Having a Zero Waste Day was definitely eye-opening—and, honestly, harder than I expected. The most challenging part was becoming aware of how much waste is built into everyday routines: from food packaging and takeout containers to random receipts or even just tossing something out of habit. It forced me to slow down and be much more intentional with every action.
    What I learned about myself is that convenience often takes the lead in my decision-making, even when I think I’m being environmentally conscious. I realized how many unconscious habits I have that contribute to waste—like grabbing a coffee without thinking about the disposable cup or automatically using paper towels instead of a reusable cloth. But I also learned that I can make changes. Small adjustments, like carrying a reusable kit or saying no to unnecessary packaging, can add up quickly when you stay mindful.
    Overall, it taught me that zero waste isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, progress, and making better choices day by day.

  • Vugar Aliyev's avatar
    Vugar Aliyev 4/19/2025 1:18 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    The best part? Seeing how even simple choices—like skipping meat once a week or choosing products with less packaging—can add up. Plus, it’s been motivating to see others share their progress. It feels like being part of a community with a common purpose.