Ioana Bontas-Pop
"I pledge to forging a stronger bond with nature, championing the safeguarding of ecosystems, and leading by example in the quest for a more sustainable world."
POINTS TOTAL
- 35 TODAY
- 200 THIS WEEK
- 1,658 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO116meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO122milesnot traveled by car
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UP TO122milestraveled by foot
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UP TO447pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO30advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO1.0community eventhosted or attended
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UP TO10hoursvolunteered
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UP TO2.0public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO3.0treesplanted
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UP TO240minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO947minutesspent learning
Ioana's actions
Freshwater + Oceans
Go Plastic-Free
Millions of tons of plastic is produced each year worldwide. Each day, I will conduct a plastics audit of what I buy and use throughout the challenge (kitchen, bathroom, personal care products, etc.), to see how single-use plastic shows up in my life. I will find plastic-free alternatives to these products and advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, product manufacturers, at work, or on campus.
Land + Forests
Zero Waste Day
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.
Land + Forests
Borrow Before I Buy
Why buy something I will only use once or a few times if someone nearby has it for me to borrow, and why not share something I have that someone may only need a few times a year? To reduce my consumption and waste, I will create or support the sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Beauty and Personal Products
Beauty and personal products can create a lot of waste. I will spend 60 minutes learning about the beauty and body products I use to see if they are refillable or recyclable. If not, I will reach out to the manufacturer to advocate for those options.
Land + Forests
Explore My Area
When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 120 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood, office, or campus (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).
Action Track: Community
Pick Up the Phone
I will gather a group of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues to make 1 phone calls to public officials or companies to advocate for planet-friendly policies.
Action Track: Community
Plant Trees
Trees capture carbon and produce oxygen that is essential to life on earth. I will support this important piece of nature by organizing or joining a community group to plant 1 native trees in my community, public parks, office location, campus or backyard.
Freshwater + Oceans
Join a Cleanup Effort
I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Seek Alternative Gifts and Souvenirs
When traveling, I will seek souvenirs that support local communities and do not cause harm to the environment or wildlife.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Plastic in Clothing and Water
Synthetic clothing can contain plastic and shed harmful microplastics into our water. I will use a microplastics catcher in my laundry, or install a microplastics filter for my washing machine.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Save the Bees
Bees are vital to ecosystems. To help save the bees, I will learn which local flowers provide nectar and plant them in my backyard or in a pot on my balcony.
Land + Forests
Choose Eco-Friendly Wood and Paper
Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. Buying products that help protect forests makes a difference. I will only purchase wood, furniture, and paper products from ecologically certified sources such as Forest Stewardship Council.
Freshwater + Oceans
Low Water Gardening
Grass lawns are water-intensive and on average require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. Native plants are water-efficient and help maintain the balance and diversity of local ecosystems. I will plant native species with water-efficient plants to conserve water and improve the habitat, then post a photo on the feed to share.
Freshwater + Oceans
Reduce Pollutants in Cleaning
Understanding cleaning product ingredients and their effect on water and biodiversity is helpful to our consumer choices. I will spend 120 minutes learning about how cleaning products affect our water and try making my own cleaning products to reduce pollutants.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Invest in Nature
A healthy world needs both our daily actions and support from larger systems. I will spend 120 minutes learning about how I can use my investments and savings to advance environmental sustainability.
Land + Forests
Advocate for Forest Protection
Using my voice can help create a more sustainable and just world. I will contact 2 local, regional, or national decision makers to advocate for public policy that protects forests and improves their ability to sequester carbon and nourish biodiversity.
Action Track: Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 10 hours in my community.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Reduce Animal Products
One kilogram of beef and cheese emits 71kg and 24kg of greenhouse gasses, while 1kg of rice, grains, and legumes emits between 2-4kg. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts emit less than 1kg per 1kg. I will reduce my climate impact by enjoying 1 meatless meals and/or 2 vegan meals each day this week.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Leave No Trace
I will respect and protect biotic communities by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace whenever I am outside.
Climate + Air
Declutter My Home Without the Landfill
Each day, I will learn about responsible ways to dispose of items and de-clutter, clean, donate, repurpose or recycle unneeded items in my home to make sure that what I get rid of doesn't go into the landfill.
Climate + Air
Stay on the Ground
Carbon emissions from air travel is harmful to planetary and human health. Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).
Climate + Air
Choose Renewable Energy
Renewable energy options are becoming more widespread and accessible. Not only are they good for the planet, they can help save money as well. I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will contact them to advocate for this option in the future.
Climate + Air
Use Muscle Power
I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.
Action Track: Community
Share My "Why"
I will record a video to share why I am taking action this Earth Month, a sustainable swap I've made, and/or a local conservation effort in my area.
Action Track: Community
Sustainability Lunch and Learn
Learning in a social setting can inspire connection and change. I will work with a friend or colleague to plan and host a lunch and learn at work, school, in my neighborhood or other location to learn more about an environmental topic important to me. After the lunch and learn, I will share more about it on the feed.
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?
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Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/24/2024 2:08 AMOnce, on a trail run, a brave little baby deer decided to accompany me. 🦌✨ Deers have always sparked a deep sense of connection within me, and this encounter was no exception. We ran side by side, an unexpected partnership that felt like a nod from Mother Nature herself. Ensuring it found its way back to safety, I was reminded of the fragile beauty we must protect. Our coexistence with wildlife is a delicate balance, pivotal for biodiversity and sustainability. 🌿#WildlifeEncounters #NatureHarmony #SustainableCoexistence
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Ina Scholz 4/24/2024 7:35 AMWhat a great companionship 😍
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Anna Selders 4/24/2024 6:39 AMSo cute! The little bamby 😍 -
AKHIL MANDALAPU 4/24/2024 4:49 AMAmazing and Wow!! -
Raul Poias 4/24/2024 2:58 AMThat is so amazing! It was definitely a connection, the deer looks so calm and ready to build a friendship! -
Julia Drews 4/24/2024 2:15 AMThis is so cute
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REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Community Volunteer in my CommunityHow does volunteering enhance your community and/or change your relationship with it?
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/23/2024 12:38 AMDonating to "O Masă Caldă" (A Hot Meal) not only enhanced my connection to the community but also reshaped my perspective on collective impact. This initiative provides hot meals to disadvantaged individuals across several cities, aiming to alleviate food insecurity responsibly and sustainably. Contributing to such a cause highlighted the critical role of community support systems and taught me the power of small, consistent efforts in making a substantial difference. The experience deepened my appreciation for community-based solutions and reinforced the value of every contribution in building a stronger, more cohesive society. 🍲💖 -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests Explore My AreaWhere did you go for your walk or hike in nature? What were the benefits of doing so?
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/23/2024 12:35 AMOn Earth Day, I had the pleasure of exploring Große Dhünntalsperre, a serene reservoir surrounded by lush forests and meadows, ideal for reconnecting with nature. This area, vital for providing clean drinking water and serving as a flood barrier, reminded me of the importance of water conservation. Walking along its trails, I was struck by the tranquility and the crucial role such ecosystems play in our environmental health. Let's cherish and protect these resources to ensure they continue to nourish both the planet and our spirits. 🌍💧🌲 -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Low Water GardeningWhat are the most prominent water concerns in your area? Examples include drought, flooding, pollution, access, security, and privatization.
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/23/2024 12:32 AMIn my area, we're fortunate not to face significant water issues like drought, pollution, or access problems. However, it's crucial to remain proactive in preserving this vital resource. 🌊 I recommend continuing practices such as rainwater harvesting to water gardens 🌱, fixing leaks promptly to prevent waste 💧, and using water-efficient appliances to maintain our good stewardship. By valuing and conserving water even in times of abundance, we ensure it remains plentiful and clean for future generations. 🌍✨
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Miroslav Považai 4/23/2024 10:10 PMYes Ioana, you´re absolutely right.
I always thought that, for example, in Slovakia, I wouldn´t encounter an acute lack of water, but it happens. I come from the region of Southern Slovakia and in recent years dozens of villages have had a problem with the sustainability of water already for normal use. Therefore, it´s very important to draw attention to this.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Low Water GardeningWhat are the most prominent water concerns in your area? Examples include drought, flooding, pollution, access, security, and privatization.
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/23/2024 12:32 AMIn my area, we're fortunate not to face significant water issues like drought, pollution, or access problems. However, it's crucial to remain proactive in preserving this vital resource. 🌊 I recommend continuing practices such as rainwater harvesting to water gardens 🌱, fixing leaks promptly to prevent waste 💧, and using water-efficient appliances to maintain our good stewardship. By valuing and conserving water even in times of abundance, we ensure it remains plentiful and clean for future generations. 🌍✨
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Shahin Meah 4/25/2024 2:14 AMWater quality and fixing infrastructure leaks.
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Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/23/2024 12:30 AMCaptured these delicate wildflowers during my walk, a gentle reminder of our planet's fragile beauty. 🌸🌱 Each bloom, thriving in its natural habitat, represents the perfect balance of our ecosystem. It's a call to tread lightly and make sustainable choices, so scenes like this continue to grace our paths. Preserving biodiversity starts with respecting the small wonders underfoot. Let's protect our Earth, one step at a time. 🌍💚
#Sustainability #Nature’sMiracles
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Ioana Blidarean 4/23/2024 3:26 AMIndeed, it's at least one miracle with each step. We only need to see it! Love your photos, Ioana.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests Zero Waste DayWhat was hard about having a Zero Waste Day? What did you learn about yourself and your habits?
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/22/2024 3:13 AMHaving a Zero Waste Day was challenging, especially when it came to avoiding single-use plastics and packaging 🚫🥤. I learned that much of my daily convenience relies on items that contribute to waste. Reflecting on my habits, I realized the importance of planning and the impact of mindful consumption. This experience taught me that while zero waste is an ambitious goal, small, conscious changes can lead to significant environmental benefits. It's inspired me to continue striving for sustainability in my daily life 🌿♻️.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Community Pick Up the PhoneWhat do all of us have in common, regardless of politics, race, religion, occupation, or place we live? How can finding common ground help us as a society and as a species?
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/22/2024 3:11 AMOne fundamental aspect that unites us all, regardless of our diverse backgrounds, is our shared humanity and basic needs, such as safety, health, and a sustainable environment. Finding common ground on these universal aspects can foster cooperation and empathy, helping us to bridge divisions and tackle global challenges together. By emphasizing what unites us, we can cultivate a more inclusive and resilient society, enhancing collective well-being and ensuring our survival as a species. -
Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/22/2024 12:24 AMHappy Earth Day! 🌍 Today, I’m especially thankful to live in a region blessed with clean water and ample rainfall. But not taking this for granted, I collect rainwater to nourish my garden, a small act of conservation and respect for this precious resource. 💧🌱Water is life, and yet, for many, access to it is not a given. In some areas, droughts, floods, and pollution disrupt this basic human right. Today, let's remember that the way we manage and protect our water sources affects not just us, but the entire ecosystem. Let’s pledge to safeguard water with every action we take. Every drop counts. 💦🙌 #EarthDay #WaterConservation-
Ioana Blidarean 4/22/2024 6:40 AMSo true, Ioana, to feel blessed with the available clean water resources!! Indeed, every drop counts; maybe not for us, but for sure for others, not so blessed with rainfall.
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Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/21/2024 5:39 AMA beautiful Sunday graced with rain and sun, the perfect backdrop for my walk by this grand old oak tree. 🌦️🌳 Its branches have weathered many storms, yet it stands strong, just like us. It’s a living reminder of nature's resilience and the enduring beauty around us. Here's to the silent wisdom of old trees and the peace found in their presence. 🍃✨ 🌳#SundayWalks #TimelessNature #OakTreeWisdom