Erica Bonanno

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.

Sharing surplus food not only prevents waste but also strengthens social safety nets. I will donate or share 10 meals or food items through a food bank, community fridge, or with neighbors to support food security and resilience.

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services that contribute to local self-sufficiency, such as teaching a repair skill or helping with a neighbor's garden.

Purchasing choices can strengthen community resilience. I will direct 3 of my organization’s purchases or events toward local or minority-owned businesses, helping build diverse and resilient economies.

Growing food builds resilience by connecting us to the soil and reducing reliance on long supply chains. I will grow edible plants—such as herbs, vegetables, or grains—in my home, balcony, or community space, strengthening both my food security and local biodiversity.

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.

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.

Healthy habitats support resilient wildlife populations. I will join 2 restoration efforts, such as planting native plants, cleaning a natural area, or repairing trails to protect biodiversity.

Sharing strengthens resilience. I will take part in 3 acts of resource-sharing in my organization or with another organization, such as sharing tools, staff skills, or swapping knowledge, to help reduce waste and build collaboration. I will share what I did in the feed to inspire others!

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend 3 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

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.

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports local needs. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 1 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.

Local and seasonal foods require fewer resources, support nearby farmers, and keep soils healthier through diverse planting. I will source 2 meals per week from local or seasonal producers—such as markets, CSAs, or co-ops—to strengthen community food resilience.

Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.

Mulching helps soil hold water and reduces runoff. I will mulch the base of trees or other plants at home, school, or in my community to improve water retention and soil health.

Wildlife needs support from people. I will take 1 actions, such as volunteering, signing petitions, contacting leaders, or sharing information on social media, to help protect habitats and species.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend 30 minutes learning how to support local pollinators and take at least one action—such as planting native flowers or avoiding pesticides—to help sustain resilient ecosystems and harvests.

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.

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.

Sharing builds common understanding. I will share 1 definitions of resilience that resonate with me—through conversations, social media, or the event feed—to help others explore what resilience means.

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.

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.