Sarah Andzulis

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.

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.

Greywater—or lightly used household water—can sometimes be reused for tasks like watering plants or cleaning. I will learn about safe and practical ways to recycle greywater at home, school, or work.

Trees are vital for resilience, storing carbon, sheltering biodiversity, and protecting water and soil. I will plant 3 trees in my yard, community, or through a local project to help ecosystems adapt and thrive.

Fallen leaves, logs, and brush provide shelter and food for wildlife. I will leave natural features in my yard or community space to help strengthen biodiversity and soil resilience.

Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and help ecosystems adapt to change. I will choose native plants for my yard, balcony, or community space instead of non-native or ornamental species to support biodiversity resilience.

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce sources of outdoor light or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.

Being a responsible pet owner means minimizing the impact pets have on wildlife by keeping them indoors, never setting them 'free' into nature, and supervising pets when they are outside to prevent them from hunting or disturbing wild animals. This also keeps our pets safe from harm. I will spend 30 minutes learning about ways to ensure my pet’s behavior and care practices protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.

Log your Ecochallenge-related Volunteer Hour in Good Works. If using VTO, please also request time in Workday. Email Anjelica if you have questions ([email protected]). P.S. In celebration of Arch's 25th anniversary, employees that record at least 7.5 volunteer hours will earn a $25 incentive to support the community.

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!