Kristy Benner

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.

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.

Supporting local businesses helps keep communities vibrant and resilient. I will choose to shop at 1 local businesses or restaurants, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color, local farmers, or community members.

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.

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

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.

Being prepared can save lives during extreme weather. I will spend 10 minutes learning about the most common weather risks in my area and the steps I can take to stay safe, such as signing up for local alerts or identifying nearby shelters.

Innovation thrives when we share ideas. I will share 1 sustainable innovation discoveries on social media or in the Ecochallenge feed to inspire others to explore creative solutions.

Reducing plastic use starts with awareness, and there are amazing innovations in materials to replace plastic! I will conduct an audit of the plastic products I use daily and identify items I can replace with sustainable alternatives.

A virtual Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, April 23rd, featuring Ed Seal from Kitsap Harvest. This dedicated organization rescues surplus produce not only from farms but also from neighborhood yards and gardens, ensuring that fresh, local food reaches those who need it most. During this engaging session, you'll: ✅ Discover how Kitsap Harvest transforms local surplus into nourishment for our community. ✅ Learn how you can participate in volunteer opportunities, such as gleaning in neighborhood yards. ✅ Gain insights into the tangible impact of reducing food waste and promoting food security locally.