Daniel Elsass
4/08/2025 6:37 AM
I learned about hyssops and planted some more in my yard.
Daniel Elsass
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 142 TOTAL
participant impact
-
UP TO2.0steps takento protect pollinators
-
UP TO4.0single-use bagsnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO40gallons of waterhave been saved
-
UP TO2.0water collection systemsinstalled
-
UP TO10minutesspent learning
Daniel's actions
Land, Water, and Air
Collect Rain Water
Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for 2 outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.
Land, Water, and Air
Take Shorter Showers
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!
Land, Water, and Air
Reduce Food Waste
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.
Wildlife
Learn about Native Species
The world is full of unique species that all play an important role in nature. I will spend 10 minutes learning what the native plants and wildlife are in my region.
Wildlife
Protect Pollinators with a Plant or Mini-Habitat
Pollinators need a little help from their friends like us! I will take 3 steps to protect pollinators, such as planting a pollinator-friendly plant, installing a pollinator hotel, or by leaving leaf litter for pollinators to call home.
Wildlife
Use Reusable Bags
Plastic bags do not always end up in landfills and if they aren't properly disposed of. In nature, they can be mistaken for food by many wild animals and harm wildlife. When I go shopping, I will be sure to bring my own bags to reduce waste and the chance that plastic bags could find their way into wildlife habitats.
Land, Water, and Air
Attend Recycling & Waste Reduction Lunch & Learn
April 25
Sustainable Innovation
Choose a Product Made with Sustainable Materials
Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.
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?
-
Daniel Elsass 4/08/2025 6:38 AMIt is going well, I have seeds started to turn part of my lawn into a pollinator garden and have purchased shade friendly seed mixes for the hillside across the street to help increase diversity. -
REFLECTION QUESTION
WildlifeWhat native species did you learn about in your area, and how do they contribute to your local ecosystem or community? How might your community change if these native species disappeared?
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirHow did shortening your showers affect your awareness of water conservation? What other water-saving practices can you adopt in your daily routine?
Daniel Elsass 4/08/2025 6:37 AMI think it allows me to understand that even though a long shower is programmed into our brains as being kind and relaxing, it shouldn't be every day. It isn't a relaxing treat if it is always. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSustainable InnovationWhat sustainable product did you purchase, and how does it align with your values?
Daniel Elsass 4/01/2025 8:02 AMI use a laundry detergent delivery service that packages laundry sheets in ecofriendly packaging to avoid buying large plastic bottles of laundry detergent.-
Glenda Harrison 4/01/2025 8:10 AM- TEAM CAPTAIN
- Earth Advocate 📣
- 16-DAY STREAK
I started using the laundry sheets to, but heard that they do contain some microplastics... and I don't mean this as a criticism but more to share something I heard. It's challenging to find things that have no impact, but I think it's great that you are cutting down on the plastic jugs.
-
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirHow did collecting rainwater influence your understanding of sustainable water use? What tasks or activities could benefit most from rainwater collection in your household?
Daniel Elsass 4/01/2025 7:59 AMIt is a process every year to put them up and take them down, but is worth it in the end. -
REFLECTION QUESTION
WildlifeWhat’s one thing you can do in your yard, community, or daily routine to create a safer environment for pollinators? Be sure to share any photos of your actions to protect pollinators in the feed!
Daniel Elsass 4/01/2025 7:58 AMI plant native pollinator plants every year. My hyssops are starting to grow again. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirAn average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Where would you rather use this money? What patterns did you notice in the food you threw away, and how can you address them?