SANIKA DESHMUKH

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.

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.

Shared projects at work strengthen teams and build organizational resilience. I will host or join 1 cleanup events with colleagues, classmates, or group members to improve our environment and strengthen collaboration.

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.

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.

Green teams strengthen resilience by creating shared responsibility. I will join or help start a green team in my workplace, school, or community group to support sustainability and collaboration.

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.

Everyone’s water needs and use are different. I will create an action that works for my life and supports water resilience—and make my commitment public by sharing it in the feed to inspire others.

Conserving water helps protect this precious resource. I will shorten my showers to 5 minutes to save water and reduce energy use - each time saving up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water!

Local and seasonal foods require fewer resources, support nearby farmers, and keep soils healthier through diverse planting. I will source 1 meals per week from local or seasonal producers—such as markets, CSAs, or co-ops—to strengthen community food resilience.

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.

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.

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.

Belonging to a group can help build friendships and a sense of purpose. I will explore online or in-person groups or clubs that share my interests or goals and join a group to connect with others.

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.

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.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend 1 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.

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.

Preparedness is part of resilience. I will spend 5 minutes with colleagues identifying potential risks (such as weather, supply chain, or staffing issues) and the resources or strategies available to address them.

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.

Stories connect and inspire us. I will share 1 resilience stories—either from my life, my community, or from a leader or culture I admire—through conversations, social media, or the event feed to help others see resilience in action.

Sharing knowledge helps others nurture their well-being. Through social media, in the Ecochallenge feed, or in conversations, I will share 1 health or well-being resources with friends, family, or my community to promote a healthier, more resilient world.

Trees are vital for resilience, storing carbon, sheltering biodiversity, and protecting water and soil. I will plant 1 trees in my yard, community, or through a local project to help ecosystems adapt and thrive.

Cutting back on refined sugar can improve energy, mood, and overall health. I will limit my intake of sugary snacks and drinks by reducing refined sugar in meals or snacks each day.