Vugar Aliyev

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.