Ioana Bontas-Pop

I will watch 1 documentaries about economy, energy, or industry.

Studies show a grass lawn is water intensive and on average it require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. I will do one or more of the following actions in my yard or community to conserve water and improve habitat: plant indigenous plants, landscape with water-efficient plants, add mulching, replace a lawn, and/or use eco-friendly fertilizers.

On average, a tree absorbs 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of carbon dioxide yearly during the first 20 years. To do my part, I will plant 5 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

Each day, I will spend time developing a readiness plan for my household in the event of an emergency.

Through my Earth Month Ecochallenge feed, I will share with others an environmentally friendly habit I have cultivated.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will contact my energy company to find out how to sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.

I will try a new vegan or vegetarian recipe and share how it turns out on the Ecochallenge feed, or with family and friends.

Watch Emerson's ESG Report Walkthrough. Dive into the key transformations in environmental, social, and governance efforts.

I spend 60 minutes analyzing my recent utility bills, which might include electricity, gas, or water to see what my current usage is and determine if I can reduce my energy and water use.

For an upcoming vacation, I will spend 60 minutes planning out a staycation in my region. For reference, one several hour flight releases the equivalent of nearly 14% of the annual emissions from a car.

Using the links provided below, I will research impact investing or my current investment portfolio to determine if they align with my values.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally). As an example, a plane from New York to Los Angeles (~2,450 miles) generates about 65 tons of carbon dioxide.

I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste.

I will become a savvy produce shopper when buying organic and non-organic items.

I will spend 60 minutes learning about water justice in my region.

I will watch 2 documentaries about education or work.

I will watch 1 documentaries about equity, gender, health, or peace.

Each day, I will track my purchases to identify my spending habits. This will allow me to see what purchases can be reduced.

I will mend clothing for myself, family or friends.

I will express my love and gratitude for our planet by writing a love letter, poem, song or taking a picture. I will share this in the Ecochallenge feed or on my social media.

Each day, I will spend 20 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

I will watch 3 documentaries about climate change.

In this first module, we will start by taking a step back and looking at the higher-level notions and mental frameworks that environmental sustainability is used and discussed within. We will look at the most elementary ideas that form the basis of sustainability or sustainable development in its broadest sense.