Swaeta Lakshmanan

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.

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.

Staying connected strengthens relationships and boosts well-being. Each day, I will reach out to 2 friends or colleagues to check in, have a meaningful conversation, or offer support.

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.

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.

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.

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 3 swaps or sharing activities, like borrowing items, attending or hosting a swap meet, or giving away items I no longer need to support a sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.

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.

Strong neighborhoods are built on connection and trust. I will introduce myself to 1 neighbors or spend time getting to know people in my community.

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.

Belonging to a group can help build friendships and a sense of purpose. I will explore online or in-person groups or clubs that share my interests or goals and join a group to connect with others.

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 30 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

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.

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).

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.

Cutting back on refined sugar can improve energy, mood, and overall health. I will limit my intake of sugary snacks and drinks by reducing refined sugar in meals or snacks each day.

Get involved! Join your local Green Team to connect and work on local sustainability initiatives. Or, participate in one of the many Earth Month activities they've organized.

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.

Learn about sustainability by taking two Green Pill modules on Emerson Learn. Choose the topics that appeal to you most!

Become a Sustainability Aficionado or invite one of your colleagues to join if you're already tuned into the program. 

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.

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.