Alena Karabutina

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.

Reducing energy use helps protect the air and climate. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy and reduce pollution.

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.

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on 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.

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.

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.

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.

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 60 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 5 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

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.

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.

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 1 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

I will spend 3 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.

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.

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.

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

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 20 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

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.

Youth activists are leading the charge for a better world. I will spend 15 minutes learning about or supporting youth climate activists through sharing their work or attending their events.