Indigenous communities have stewarded ecosystems for generations through deep-rooted knowledge and connection to nature. I will spend 10 minutes exploring Indigenous conservation methods and reflecting on their role in fostering balance and equity with nature.
COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS
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.
COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS
Wildlife
Log Species to Help Scientists
The more we know about the wildlife around us, the better we can protect species. I will download a wildlife monitoring app and log 1 animal or plant species I discover.
COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS
Sustainable Innovation
Learn about Regenerative Agriculture
Healthy soil, healthy planet. I will spend 10 minutes learning about regenerative agriculture and how it helps restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and combat climate change.
COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS
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.
COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS
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?
Not my best Ecochallenge, but I gave it a go. Even if I didn't log every single action, some habits (like reusable shopping bags) are now firmly engrained. Probably the biggest savings are by using Smith's fabric wine carriers--they carry 6 bottles at one go and save probably 8 plastic bags on each use.
Haven't been as consistent this month, but even if I forget to log my cloth bag use, I've got the anti-plastic bag habit well entrenched in my behavior. The image is of my oldest cloth bag, a 1995 one that I picked up in Vienna.
What lessons did you learn from Indigenous conservation practices, and how can these inspire the next generation to create a more sustainable and equitable future?
From my reading of "A Walk in the Park," I learned that indigenous peoples living in and near the Grand Canyon have had their sustainable way of life diminished and destroyed by the encroachment of European settlers, cattle ranchers, and even the National Park Service.
What 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?
Spent the morning in the ABQ BioPark monthly volunteers meeting learning about their conservation activities and focus, including planning for Earth Day.
What did you learn about the practice and benefits of regenerative agriculture? How can you support healthy farming practices for people and the planet?
Using and reusing my cloth bags is a complete habit these days. Easy peasy! And I've reused mine so many times that I can cheerfully refute those naysayers that claim cotton bags are more environmentally harmful than plastic bags.
Strong winds (not unusual for springtime in NM) but combined with a terribly low or nonexistent snowpack (very unusual), we've got ample evidence for climate change. And with the current administration attempting to deny that fact and destroy the infrastructure that would allow us to deal with it, it's more important than ever to show support of things like the EcoChallenge.
Tracy Richardson 4/01/2025 10:25 AMI love using my re-usable bags too! I'm so glad to live in a community that is so supportive of this activity too! Thanks for doing your part!