Julie Hanson

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.

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.

Supporting local businesses helps keep communities vibrant and resilient. I will choose to shop at 1 local businesses or restaurants, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color, local farmers, or community members.

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 1 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

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.

Innovation thrives when we share ideas. I will share 1 sustainable innovation discoveries on social media or in the Ecochallenge feed to inspire others to explore creative solutions.

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.

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.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 030 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 60 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

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.

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.

Being prepared can save lives during extreme weather. I will spend 10 minutes learning about the most common weather risks in my area and the steps I can take to stay safe, such as signing up for local alerts or identifying nearby shelters.

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.

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for 4 outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend 4 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 30 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

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.

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 30 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 2 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.