Thavamuruga Ganesan

Advocacy skills empower youth to make a difference. I will spend 1 hours teaching a young person how to advocate for environmental issues, such as engaging in decision-making, understanding civics, speaking publicly, or organizing events.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 2 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

Green spaces improve air quality, support wildlife, and enhance well-being. I will call or write 1 public officials per day to advocate for more green spaces around my town, particularly in neighborhoods that currently lack equitable access to green spaces such as parks and gardens.

Kick off your meetings with a "Sustainability Moment" to keep environmental awareness top of mind. Even better, develop new "Sustainability Moments" tailored to your specific location and work, making the connection between sustainability and your daily activities even stronger!

Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative and implement 1 action under each of the pillars from the most appropriate persona.

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.

Youth-led projects drive innovation and change. I will support youth-led environmental projects by offering time, resources, or encouragement and share how I supported youth on the Ecochallenge feed.

Youth perspectives are powerful. I will encourage or help a young person write and submit a letter about an environmental issue to a local paper, community leader, or decision-maker.

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for 1 outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

Wetlands provide critical habitat and protect against flooding. I will write 1 letters or emails per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.

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.

There are many amazing projects supporting wildlife and their habitats. I will choose a project or organization to support that helps species and habitats I care about and make a donation.

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 5 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

A bio-blitz helps youth engage with local biodiversity. I will organize or participate in a bio-blitz with young people to identify and document the plants, animals, and insects in our area.

Being a responsible tourist means not disturbing wildlife and choosing eco-friendly tour operators and destinations that prioritize wildlife conservation and respect animal welfare. I will spend 1 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

Guidance helps youth grow their passion for the planet. I will mentor a young person interested in the environment by sharing my knowledge, experiences, and encouragement.

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.

Sustainable investments shape a greener future. I will research and invest in companies, funds, or projects that supports sustainability, such as renewable energy, green tech, or sustainable practices. I will share more about who I supported with others on social media or in the Ecochallenge feed.

When companies and governments make large-scale changes to their products and practices, it makes sustainability more accessible to the masses, in turn creating further demand for sustainable products, and the cycle continues. I will advocate for improved, sustainable food packaging through petitions, letters, or by supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging - and share my advocacy actions on the feed.

Small contributions can drive big ideas. I will support a crowdfunded sustainability project to help bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to life and share the project on social media or on the Ecochallenge feed.

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write 2 letters or emails per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar storage).

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.

Clean energy should be accessible to all. I will support, donate, or volunteer to help programs that bring solar energy to low-income communities, helping create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Sites of cultural and spiritual significance hold deep meaning for many communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. I will learn about or visit a site near me that is significant to the history, culture, or environment of the area. I will approach my visit with respect by researching its importance and guidelines beforehand, reflecting on how we can preserve these spaces for future generations.