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Understanding the Water Footprint:
- A water footprint quantifies how much fresh water an individual, group, or organization uses. While water is renewable, it doesn’t always return in the same quality and quantity. Hence, being mindful of our water footprint is crucial.
- For instance, when brewing a morning cup of coffee, the water used extends beyond what’s directly poured into the coffee machine. It takes about 37 gallons of water to grow and prepare the coffee beans for just one cup of coffee. Additionally, water was needed to manufacture the coffee maker itself. This hidden water is termed “virtual water.”
- By combining this virtual water with our direct water usage (like running the washing machine), we arrive at our overall water footprint.
balakrishnan C
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 170 THIS WEEK
- 1,287 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO44pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO1.0waste auditconducted
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UP TO49plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1.0water footprintcalculated
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UP TO4.0public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO1.0hourvolunteered
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UP TO1.0community eventhosted or attended
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UP TO30advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO1.0treeplanted
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UP TO30minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO1,577minutesspent learning
balakrishnan's actions
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
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
Explore My Area
When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 30 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood, office, or campus (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).
Land + Forests
Advocate for Forest Protection
Using my voice can help create a more sustainable and just world. I will contact 1 local, regional, or national decision makers to advocate for public policy that protects forests and improves their ability to sequester carbon and nourish biodiversity.
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.
Land + Forests
Personal Waste Audit
The waste we create daily can go unnoticed. I will track the waste I create in a day and post a photo log on the feed to see how much I create and where I can make different choices to reduce my waste going forward.
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.
Freshwater + Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
We need to support healthy seafood populations. I will spend 30 minutes learning about sustainable seafood choices, commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean, and share what I learned on the feed.
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
Learn About Water Justice in My Area
I will spend at least 30 minutes a day using the resources provided to learn about water justice and find out how I can get involved in local initiatives.
Freshwater + Oceans
Cooking Oil Disposal
Pouring cooking oil down the drain can cause damage to waterways and ecosystems. I will learn how to properly dispose of cooking oil to help support healthy ecosystems.
Freshwater + Oceans
Understand My Water Footprint
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.
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 30 minutes learning about how cleaning products affect our water and try making my own cleaning products to reduce pollutants.
Freshwater + Oceans
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Itr's estimated over a billion water bottles are thrown away each year. Even if they were recycled, that still uses energy and resources from the earth. I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Freshwater + Oceans
Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans
I will spend 30 minutes learning more about the importance of freshwater + ocean conservation, and how I can reduce my water use. I will share what I learn with people in person, on social media, and on the feed.
Action Track: Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 1 hours in my community.
Action Track: Community
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.
Action Track: Community
Keep My Community Clean
At times it may not feel like it's up to us to keep our community clean and healthy, but we all have a role to play. Each day I am outside, I will pick up any litter I see.
Action Track: Community
Pick Up the Phone
I will gather a group of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues to make 2 phone calls to public officials or companies to advocate for planet-friendly policies.
Action Track: Community
Join a Cleanup Effort
I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.
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
JOIN OR CREATE A GREEN TEAM AT EMERSON
I will continue to contribute to Emerson's environmental sustainability goals beyond April by learning more about the Global Green Teams Network, joining a team near me, or maybe even creating a new team.
Action Track: Community
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE NEWS ON SUSTAINABILITY AT EMERSON
I will sign up to the Sustainability Aficionados distribution list to receive global news on sustainability at Emerson, including world news and Greening OF, BY, and WITH news.
Action Track: Community
TAKE PICTURES AND SHARE ON LINKEDIN
I will take at least one photograph that is connected with this year's theme of Nature Conservation & Biodiversity (for example an urban park, bee hives, birds and other animals...) and I will post it on LinkedIn with the hashtags #EarthMonthEcochallenge #EarthMonthAtEmerson.
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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balakrishnan C 4/25/2024 2:16 AMDrinking water has numerous benefits for our overall health. Here are some reasons why our body needs water:- Lubricates the Joints: Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain1.
- Forms Saliva and Mucus: Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean and, when consumed instead of sweetened beverages, can reduce tooth decay1.
- Delivers Oxygen Throughout the Body: Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body1.
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Shashank Dubey 4/25/2024 10:18 AMCorrect -
Ashish Goyal 4/25/2024 2:45 AMTrue
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balakrishnan C 4/23/2024 1:51 AMCertainly! Saving paper has numerous benefits, both for the environment and for our daily lives. Here are some key advantages:-
Environmental Conservation:
- By using less paper, we reduce our impact on forests. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating the climate.
- Paper production contributes to deforestation, which affects wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Saving paper helps protect these natural resources1.
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Energy and Emissions Reduction:
- Recycling paper conserves energy compared to producing new paper from raw materials. It requires less water and emits fewer greenhouse gases.
- When we save paper, we indirectly reduce the energy needed for paper production and transportation2.
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Waste Reduction:
- Using less paper means less waste. Recycling paper helps keep it out of landfills, freeing up space for other non-recyclable trash.
- Reducing paper waste also minimizes pollution associated with landfill sites
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Environmental Conservation:
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balakrishnan C 4/22/2024 3:00 AMLet’s explore the advantages of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) compared to traditional lighting solutions:- Energy Efficiency: LEDs are highly energy-efficient, converting approximately 80% of the electrical energy they consume into light. In comparison, incandescent bulbs convert only about 20% of the energy they use into light, with the rest being wasted as heat1.
- Long Lifespan: LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. They can last up to 25,000 hours or more, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance2.
- Instant Illumination: Unlike some other lighting technologies, LEDs do not require warm-up time. They provide instant full brightness when switched on.
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balakrishnan C 4/20/2024 9:52 PMReverse osmosis (RO) water, here are some easy and tested ways to reduce wastage and reuse the RO reject water:- Mopping: You can use the RO reject water for your daily chores like mopping and scrubbing the floors. However, make sure to mix the wastewater with some fresh and clean water to dilute its high total dissolved solids (TDS) and salt content1.
- Toilet Flushing: While it’s not suitable for bathing, you can use the RO reject water for toilet flushing and cleaning. Flushing takes up 6 to 7 liters of water, which directly goes down the drain. By using the RO reject water, you can save a significant amount of water1.
- Gardening: Collect and store the RO waste water in storage tanks. This water can be used for gardening, ensuring that it doesn’t go to waste2.
- Appliances: Reuse the RO waste water in appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Just ensure that it’s free of harmful chemicals and salts2.
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balakrishnan C 4/18/2024 10:53 PMThere are several benefits to reducing or eliminating coffee and tea consumption. Here are some of the key advantages:- Less anxiety: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased anxiety, nervousness, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks. If you’re prone to stress and anxiety, cutting down on caffeine may help alleviate these symptoms1.
- Better sleep: Daily coffee consumption can disrupt your sleep cycle, causing restless sleep and daytime drowsiness. If you’re caffeine-free, you may find it easier to fall asleep and enjoy more restful nights1.
- More efficient nutrient absorption: Without caffeine, your body may absorb certain nutrients better. The tannins in caffeine can inhibit the absorption of calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Going caffeine-free ensures you get the most out of your diet1.
- Healthier teeth: Coffee and tea can stain teeth due to their high tannin content. Additionally, the acidity in caffeinated drinks can lead to enamel wear and decay. Eliminating these beverages can result in whiter and healthier teeth12.
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balakrishnan C 4/17/2024 10:58 PMReplace Your Light Bulbs: Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and don’t last as long as energy-efficient alternatives. When shopping for light bulbs, look for the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, Energy Star. Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light1.
Use Smart Power Strips: These advanced power strips eliminate “phantom energy” by shutting off power to electronics when they are not in use. Phantom energy accounts for 5 to 10 percent of residential energy use and can cost the average U.S. household up to $100 per year1.Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling energy use without upgrading your HVAC system. They automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling while you’re asleep or away. ENERGY STAR estimates that a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent on your heating and cooling bills1. -
balakrishnan C 4/16/2024 10:41 PMCertainly! Light conservation is an essential aspect of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Let’s explore some practical ways to conserve light and reduce our energy consumption:- Switch to LED Bulbs: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. LEDs are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and emit less heat.
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Turn Off Lights When Not Needed:
- Develop a habit of switching off lights when leaving a room.
- Use natural daylight during daytime whenever possible.
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Install Motion Sensors and Timers:
- Install motion sensors in areas like hallways, bathrooms, and closets. These sensors automatically turn lights on when someone enters and off when they leave.
- Timers can be useful for outdoor lighting or holiday decorations. Set them to turn off at specific times.
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balakrishnan C 4/16/2024 10:41 PMCertainly! Light conservation is an essential aspect of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Let’s explore some practical ways to conserve light and reduce our energy consumption:
Switch to LED Bulbs: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. LEDs are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and emit less heat.-
Turn Off Lights When Not Needed:
- Develop a habit of switching off lights when leaving a room.
- Use natural daylight during daytime whenever possible.
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Install Motion Sensors and Timers:
- Install motion sensors in areas like hallways, bathrooms, and closets. These sensors automatically turn lights on when someone enters and off when they leave.
- Timers can be useful for outdoor lighting or holiday decorations. Set them to turn off at specific times.
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Turn Off Lights When Not Needed:
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Understand My Water FootprintWhat did you learn about your water footprint and what are you going to do to reduce and be aware of the water you use?
balakrishnan C 4/16/2024 10:39 PMMy water footprint is more intricate than I initially thought. It encompasses not only the direct water I consume but also the “virtual water” embedded in the products I use and the food I eat. Let me delve into this further: -
balakrishnan C 4/16/2024 3:11 AMIndoor plants offer a multitude of benefits that can enhance your living or working space in various ways. Here are some of the key advantages:- Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that indoor plants may help lower stress levels. Engaging in activities like repotting or caring for plants can induce a more relaxed state1.
- Improved Air Quality: Plants are known for their ability to purify air, removing toxins and improving overall air quality. This can be particularly beneficial in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation2.
- Enhanced Attention and Concentration: Having real plants in your environment can sharpen your attention span and potentially improve your memory and concentration1.
- Therapeutic Effects: Horticultural therapy has been used to increase feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions1.
- Faster Recovery from Illness: There is evidence to suggest that being around plants can speed up recovery from illness, injury, or surgery1.
- Boosted Productivity: The presence of plants in a workspace has been linked to increased productivity and creativity3.
- Improved Mood and Outlook: Plants can enhance the aesthetic of a space, which in turn can improve your mood and outlook on work and life4
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Waseem Ahamed A 4/16/2024 3:17 AMInsightful..!