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Alcino Beirao's avatar

Alcino Beirao

Greening of EU Leadership Team

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,052 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    25
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    95
    more servings
    of fruits and vegetables
  • UP TO
    1,735
    minutes
    of additional sleep
  • UP TO
    2.0
    products
    replaced with sustainable alternatives
  • UP TO
    1,190
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    1.0
    community event
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    870
    minutes
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    295
    minutes
    spent learning

Alcino's actions

Land, Water, and Air

Join a Cleanup Effort

Working together to clean up public spaces helps the environment and builds community. I will participate in 1 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

Land, Water, and Air

Learn About Water Justice

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 30 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Share My Why

Share My Why

I will share my Ecochallenge story and why I'm taking action for the planet — and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 60 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Prepare for Extreme Weather

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Audit Toxic Products in my Home

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 30 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 2 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

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

Community and Connection

Join your local Green Team or participate in an Earth Month activity organized by them

Get involved! Join your local Green Team to connect and work on local sustainability initiatives. Or, participate in one of the many Earth Month activities they've organized.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Begin a meeting with a “Sustainability Moment”

Kick off your meetings with a "Sustainability Moment" to keep environmental awareness top of mind. Even better, develop new "Sustainability Moments" tailored to your specific location and work, making the connection between sustainability and your daily activities even stronger!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative

Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative and implement 1 action under each of the pillars from the most appropriate persona.

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

Enjoy Fruits and Veggies

Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 4 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

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

Health and Well-Being

Exercise Daily

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.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Enjoy the Outdoors for 30 Minutes

Studies have shown that when we spend consistent time in nature, our health improves, our creativity increases, and our connection to the planet gets stronger. Each day of the Ecochallenge, I will spend 30 minutes outside, then share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the feed.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep

Good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. I will prioritize getting 30 minutes of quality sleep each night and develop a bedtime routine that supports rest and relaxation.

COMPLETED 28
DAILY ACTIONS

Wildlife

Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 30 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to be a Responsible Tourist

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 030 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn How to Save the Bees

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 60 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Enjoy a Meatless Meal

Producing 1 kg of beef emits as much greenhouse gas as driving 150 miles, meanwhile, 1 kg of veggies or grains leaves a much lighter footprint! This week, I’ll shrink my climate impact by having 1 meatless meals and/or 1 vegan meals each day.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Wildlife

Learn to Grow Plants Your Way

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 60 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

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

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
    Wildlife
    What is one way you can reduce your impact on nature the next time you spend time outdoors, and how might that action help preserve the environment for others?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 9:15 AM
    If I can go anywhere in nature and leave no evidence that I have been there, that will be a success in my book. In terms of nature, I spend most of my time on the beach or underwater in the sea. The diving community on a whole has a very strong commitment to preservation, of which I'm a proud subscriber. Due to Covid, the habit of diving died down for me, but I've already committed to restart the habit.

    • Julian Annison's avatar
      Julian Annison 4/30/2025 10:13 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Sounds like a great plan Alcino. You have some truly wonderful beaches - of which we are very jealous !
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    Are you a gardener or house plant lover? Why or why not? What do you need to elevate your plant care skills?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 9:09 AM
    I've been know to let house plants wither and die. I usually take them for granted and do not spend time gardening. I learnt quite a bit from the team regarding identifying plants and also found some interesting sites that help to care for plants. My wife has graciously accepted my help and has given me 2 house plants to care for in the office. Small steps ...

    • Rajkumar Dharmaraj's avatar
      Rajkumar Dharmaraj 4/30/2025 9:15 AM
      thats really great!!!! all good things have to start first big or small the beginning is so important and that too with family help it is really amazing

    • Emilie Krecklow's avatar
      Emilie Krecklow 4/30/2025 9:15 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Hey Alcino! I struggle a lot with keeping indoor plants alive too. I've discovered that fertilizer/plant food is very helpful! I keep the little packets that come with flower bouquets, add them into my watering can, and give my plants a little boost that way.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    What motivated you to schedule or attend your check-up, and how did it make you feel afterward that you completed this action?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 9:04 AM
    I try to have a check up once a year or so. However, due to one reason or another I haven't had one for over 2 years. I have now scheduled a full medical check-up. Sometimes, we just have to get on and do it, else it gets put off as there is never a good time.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    How was your experience intentionally trying to eat less meat?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 9:01 AM
    I will say that we are not big meat eaters at home. I've always preferred fish to meat. However, did consciously try to change my eating habits this last month, even trying out vegan recipes. I now consider things like, bulgur wheat, oats, grilled veggies, yams, cassava as normal at the table and will keep a varied diet.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    Consider how many hours of sleep you get now. How would you like to shift your sleep patterns? What changes did you make to improve your sleep, and how did they affect your day?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 8:55 AM
    Over many years, I would average about 3-4 hours of good sleep every night. With the habit of going to the gym every morning before work, meant that I would only be in bed for a max of 6 hours. Decided to start going to bed earlier and at first it was difficult to adapt, but now after a month I have better quality sleep and feel more rested.

    • Julian Annison's avatar
      Julian Annison 4/30/2025 10:16 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      I think the early morning gym is a great habit - well done
      Better than I achieve !
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    How did exercising each day impact your physical or mental well-being? What activity did you enjoy most, and why?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 8:52 AM
    Last year I experienced a ski accident which promised a very slow recovery as I wanted to avoid an operation. This meant being very disciplined. Started every morning before work with a workout. Forced myself to change my eating habits as well and overall, after a year, I can honestly say I'm much fitter and in much better health than I've ever been in the past 10 years.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    How does eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat positively affect yourself, other people, and our planet? What fruits or vegetables did you try this week, and which was your favorite?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/30/2025 8:45 AM
    I've found that eating healthy isn't an ordeal. I started adopting new eating habits, like regular fruit during the day and main meals with different veggies. Important is to stay with seasonal fruit & veggies: easier to find and much more tastier. I always buy from local producers at a street market that only opens once a week. Supporting the local farmers.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    What did you observe or experience while spending time outside, and how did it affect you? How does connecting with nature enhance your physical and mental well-being?

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/29/2025 5:27 AM
    Amazing to see people talking to each other, playing on the beach, walking, cycling and just loafing around as there was no cell coverage, hence no social media or internet! But, almost everyone had a smile on their faces. It’s good sometimes to disconnect.

    • John Nita's avatar
      John Nita 4/29/2025 5:38 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Glad people looked on the positive side of a difficult situation.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    What did you do to prepare for extreme weather events? Share any tips or resources you found helpful in the feed!

    Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/29/2025 5:19 AM
    Yesterday we had a total country wide blackout. Only then do you realize how dependant you are on technology! Ha, can’t charge your electric car, yes, but you also can’t use the petrol station. Need cash, sorry ATM not working, banks closed, many shops closed. Good to know the local grocer and take things on credit. Can’t watch TV, but can always follow the news online - no, not an option when all comms are down. How do you stay in touch with what is happening - use an old fashioned FM radio with batteries. Silver lining, had a healthy dinner (barbecue) and went to bed at 10pm (got extra minutes sleep for one of my daily tasks). Family reunion this weekend to discuss and re-evaluate emergency plan!

    • Julian Annison's avatar
      Julian Annison 4/29/2025 7:10 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      It does seem like the answer to most of our EcoChallenge tasks.
      Well done to Spain/Portugal/France to enable so many actions to be completed almost on the last day !

      Joking aside..

      It is times and incidents like that which make you realise the dependencies we have. Also how critical infrastructure has grown over the years and with that growth it can be hard to maintain the same level of resilience as first designed,

  • Alcino Beirao's avatar
    Alcino Beirao 4/26/2025 2:24 PM
    The beaches of course are endless, sometimes difficult to get to, no conditions, very dangerous at this time of the year, but oh, so beautiful.