Therese Herzog

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.

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!

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.

Idling cars wastes fuel, contributes to climate change, and pollutes the air in our communities. I will turn off my engine when waiting in my car to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for 3 outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

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.

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 10 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

Dishwashers can save water — if used wisely. I will only run the dishwasher when it’s full and skip the pre-rinse to reduce water and energy use. If I don't have a dishwasher, I will turn off the tap as often as possible while washing dishes.

Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. I will learn about certification labels and buy wood and paper products certified as sustainable or recycled to protect forests and reduce environmental harm.

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

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.

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.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 10 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 10 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 30 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 10 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

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

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write 1 letters or emails per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar storage).

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.

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.

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.

Investing in young leaders helps shape the future. I will make a donation to a program or organization that supports emerging environmental leaders.

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.