Rachel Dunger

Working together to clean up public spaces helps the environment and builds community. I will participate in 1 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.

Studies have shown that when we spend consistent time in nature, our health improves, our creativity increases, and our connection to the planet gets stronger. Each day of the Ecochallenge, I will spend 30 minutes outside, then share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the feed.

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.

A virtual Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, April 23rd, featuring Ed Seal from Kitsap Harvest. This dedicated organization rescues surplus produce not only from farms but also from neighborhood yards and gardens, ensuring that fresh, local food reaches those who need it most. During this engaging session, you'll: ✅ Discover how Kitsap Harvest transforms local surplus into nourishment for our community. ✅ Learn how you can participate in volunteer opportunities, such as gleaning in neighborhood yards. ✅ Gain insights into the tangible impact of reducing food waste and promoting food security locally.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 15 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

Wasting food also wastes water, energy, and resources. I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation, and commit to reducing my food waste throughout the challenge.

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.

Reducing plastic use starts with awareness, and there are amazing innovations in materials to replace plastic! I will conduct an audit of the plastic products I use daily and identify items I can replace with sustainable alternatives.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 30 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 30 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

Learning by doing empowers youth. I will conduct an environmental audit — such as a home energy or waste audit — alongside a young person to teach them practical sustainability skills and see what I learn from them as well.

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 30 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

The world is full of unique species that all play an important role in nature. I will spend 15 minutes learning what the native plants and wildlife are in my region.

Every day, countless single-use coffee pods end up in landfills, contributing to unnecessary waste. By using our K-cup recycling bin, you’re helping reduce landfill waste and promoting responsible recycling practices in the office. It’s a simple action with a positive impact! The goal is to divert K-cups from landfills by ensuring they are properly recycled. This action supports our sustainability efforts by reducing waste and promoting eco-conscious habits in the workplace.

Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.

Small changes can make a big difference for health and sustainability. Using what I learned from auditing ingredients in the products I use, I will replace 2 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

Reducing energy use helps protect the air and climate. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy and reduce pollution.

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 30 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

Landscaping with native plants, gardening, and having plants inside can have benefits for nature and our health. I will plant or adopt a new plant or grow one from seeds and post a photo of it to the feed.