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Anca Laslau's avatar

Anca Laslau

Greening of EU Professional Tools

"Yep, we messed up the planet — but we’re also the ones with reusable straws, compost apps, and guilt. Let’s fix it!"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,324 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    600
    gallons of water
    saved
  • UP TO
    2.0
    products
    replaced with sustainable alternatives
  • UP TO
    45
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    3.0
    community events
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    5.0
    new places
    explored
  • UP TO
    100
    minutes
    spent learning

Anca's actions

Share My Why

Share My Why

I will share my Ecochallenge story and why I'm taking action for the planet — and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Share My Why

Take the Earth Month Ecochallenge Feedback Survey

I will take a short survey about my experience to help the Ecochallenge team improve future events, earn a chance to win a prize, and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Submit an idea on Emerson's Innovation Portal

Help Emerson get more sustainable through your innovative ideas

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Become a Sustainability Aficionado or Invite a Colleague!

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Join your local Green Team or participate in an Earth Month activity organized by them

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Begin a meeting with a “Sustainability Moment”

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!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative

Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative and implement 1 action under each of the pillars from the most appropriate persona.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Take the Green Pill Trainings on Emerson Learn

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Join a Cleanup Effort

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Join a Group

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Visit or Learn About a Culturally Significant Site Near Me

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 1 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Take Shorter Showers

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!

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Reduce Food Waste

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.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Check In with a Friend or Colleague

Staying connected strengthens relationships and boosts well-being. Each day, I will reach out to 5 friends or colleagues to check in, have a meaningful conversation, or offer support.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Save Water When Washing Dishes

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.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Produce No Waste for a Day

The impacts of our waste are far reaching. I will create zero waste for an entire day and share my reflections and learnings on the feed.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Attend a Local Event

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Grow the Team!

Recruit at least 2 colleagues to join the Ecochallenge and introduce them to the mission. The more, the greener!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Grow the Team!

Recruit at least 2 colleagues to join the Ecochallenge and introduce them to the mission. The more, the greener!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Grow the Team!

Recruit at least 2 colleagues to join the Ecochallenge and introduce them to the mission. The more, the greener!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn How to Save the Bees

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Replace a Product

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to Grow Plants Your Way

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 30 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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?


  • Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/30/2025 1:48 PM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Challenge complete! Until next year: keep your showers short, your recycling sorted (correctly, please), and your climate anxiety channeled into action. Stay green!

  • Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/27/2025 10:04 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    What a difference 7 days can make!! We are the audience of a real-life, ever-changing painting created by nature itself.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    Are you a gardener or house plant lover? Why or why not? What do you need to elevate your plant care skills?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/25/2025 8:24 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    I'm a houseplant lover at heart, but my dream is to become a real gardener. This year, I'm finally aiming to start a small herb garden on my balcony with basil, thyme, chives (great for bees, by the way), and maybe a little lavender too. I tend to suffer right along with my plants when something goes wrong, which is probably one reason this project has been on hold for so long. But hey, I guess that's just part of the journey, right?

    • Mariana Lazar's avatar
      Mariana Lazar 4/26/2025 11:53 AM
      • Community Builder 🤝
      • 18-DAY STREAK
      Looking forward to seeing pictures Anca!! I will cheer for you and your plants to thrive together! 🤗

    • Ioana Blidarean's avatar
      Ioana Blidarean 4/25/2025 10:46 PM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      It is part of the beauty of life, Anca!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    Who is most affected by environmental degration or environmental irresponsiblity in your community? How are they affected? What actions can you take to support those affected by these issues?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/25/2025 8:20 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Based on the results of the survey, focus groups, and public engagement sessions, there are four priority climate hazards for the City of Cleveland: Poor Air Quality, Extreme Heat, Heavy Precipitation and Flooding, and Severe Summer Storms. In response, local initiatives like the Community Forestry Corps, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, and organizations such as Black Environmental Leaders are working to improve air quality, expand tree canopy, and promote environmental equity.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    How do pollinators impact your daily life, and what changes can you make to ensure they continue to thrive?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/24/2025 12:53 PM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    I brought home these vibrant verbena flowers, not only do they brighten up my balcony, but they also attract bees and other pollinators. It feels good to give a little back, knowing that these tiny helpers play such a big role in our daily lives, from the fruits we eat to the flowers we enjoy.

    • Ioana Bontas-Pop's avatar
      Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/25/2025 3:35 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Earth Advocate 📣
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      🌸 These look amazing, Anca! I love how you’ve created a space that’s beautiful and helpful to pollinators. It’s such a simple gesture that carries real impact, one flower at a time. 🐝💜

    • Anna Selders's avatar
      Anna Selders 4/24/2025 9:29 PM
      • Book Lover 📚
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Very nice, Anca

    • Anca Laslau's avatar
      Anca Laslau 4/24/2025 12:58 PM
      • Adventurer 🏔
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      !!!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What did you learn about the sacred site’s history and significance? Why are these sites important to protect, support, and understand?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 8:57 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    I first became interested in Indigenous history when I realized the county I was moving to is called Cuyahoga, a name I instantly knew couldn’t be English. That curiosity led me to discover that “Cuyahoga” comes from the Iroquoian language family, likely from the Mohawk or Seneca, nations that are part of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy). It’s most often translated as “crooked river".
    Since then, I’ve had the chance to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which holds more than 200 archaeological sites, including ancient burial mounds and ceremonial earthworks from the Hopewell and Whittlesey cultures. Learning about these sacred places is incredibly important—they are living connections to the first peoples of this land. For me, it’s also a way to show respect and remain aware of the stories that came long before ours.

    • Ioana Bontas-Pop's avatar
      Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/24/2025 2:04 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Earth Advocate 📣
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Anca, thank you for sharing this, it’s such a powerful reminder of how much history is embedded in the places we live. Honoring these stories helps us stay grounded and more connected to the land and its people. Truly inspiring. 🌍✨

    • Cora Pessin's avatar
      Cora Pessin 4/23/2025 8:59 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 4-DAY STREAK
      I learned about the Haudenosaunee 2 years ago.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What did you enjoy or learn from attending a local event in your community? How did participating in this event deepen your connection to your local area?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 8:17 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    I make it a point to visit the local farmer’s market at least once a month—and I absolutely love it! At first, I went just for the fresh veggies, but now it’s also become a way to start my day on a positive note. I almost always end up having a lovely chat with one of the vendors, and it just puts me in such a good mood.
    It’s not just fruits, veggies, and eggs. There’s a small local coffee roaster, a mom who bakes homemade bread, someone selling gluten-free donuts, and even beautiful handmade jewelry. It’s such a wholesome community vibe. Photo from last summer!

    • Julie Kent's avatar
      Julie Kent 4/23/2025 8:27 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      I love farmers markets and opportunity to buy local.

    • Anca Laslau's avatar
      Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 8:22 AM
      • Adventurer 🏔
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Img777

    • Anca Laslau's avatar
      Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 8:18 AM
      • Adventurer 🏔
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Westlake Farmer's Market
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What was the most unexpected piece of trash that was picked up during your local cleanup effort? How does working with others to clean up your community make you feel?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 8:10 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    The most surprising (and honestly frustrating) thing I found during my cleanup? Cigarette butts, so many of them! I mean, seriously… are we still doing this?
    In March, I organized a little cleanup on my street. There's a vintage market just up the road, and every time it happens there are bags, bottles, and cigarette butts scattered everywhere. The city’s cleaning crew only takes care of the market area, not our street. It made me angry a bit and I was wondering why there aren't clearer rules to make sure the whole area gets cleaned.
    I’m always happy to help, but I can’t help thinking I don’t even live there permanently, so I will probably do this one-two times per year. Luckily, my mother, who’s just as much of a nature love, is out there almost every week doing her part. She’s amazing! 💚
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    How did joining a group make you feel more connected or supported? Why do you think belonging to a group is important?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 6:58 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Exciting news—I’ve officially joined the Citizens' Climate Lobby, Cleveland branch! Over the past month, I’ve been looking for a group where I could connect with others and contribute to something meaningful, and I’m so glad I found them. CCL is an international grassroots organization that empowers volunteers to engage with their elected representatives and advocate for strong climate policies.
    For me, being part of a group like this means I’m not alone in caring about the planet. It’s a space where people, different but like-minded, come together, share ideas, hold each other accountable, and work on real solutions. And as someone new to the U.S., it’s also a great way for me to learn local environmental practices and pick up tips and tricks along the way.

    • Mariana Lazar's avatar
      Mariana Lazar 4/23/2025 10:52 AM
      • Community Builder 🤝
      • 18-DAY STREAK
      I'm so happy you found a group which shares the same values as you! Working alongside with others on things that matter to you is a very powerful and transformative experience! It's also the best context to find lifelong friends :) Looking forward to hear about the projects you guys do together!

    • Ioana Bontas-Pop's avatar
      Ioana Bontas-Pop 4/23/2025 7:36 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Earth Advocate 📣
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Anca, this is such an inspiring step and so are you! I love how you've combined your passion for impact with a desire to connect meaningfully at a local level. Can’t wait to hear what insights and climate ideas you bring back to us from your Cleveland crew! 💚🌍

    • Andrea Szilagyi's avatar
      Andrea Szilagyi 4/23/2025 7:12 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      That's amazing, Anca! can’t wait to hear more about your journey with them! 💚

    • Esther Chau's avatar
      Esther Chau 4/23/2025 7:06 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Community Builder 🤝
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Thumb Up!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What was hard about having a Zero Waste Day? What did you learn about yourself and your habits?

    Anca Laslau's avatar
    Anca Laslau 4/23/2025 6:49 AM
    • Adventurer 🏔
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    A totally Zero Waste Day? Still a dream for me—and honestly, it bums me out a little. But weirdly, it also fires me up! It reminds me of the kind of life I want to live. Right now, my main blockers are the usual suspects: milk in plastic, yogurt in plastic, and don’t even get me started on hygiene products.
    But on the bright side I’ve had a solid month of zero-waste food habits, and I’m pretty proud of that win! I’m trying to stick to farmer’s markets as much as I can, though it gets tricky when veggies are out of season. Sometimes, the grocery store still wins. Progress, not perfection, right?

    • Andrea Szilagyi's avatar
      Andrea Szilagyi 4/23/2025 7:15 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      What you said about the zero waste day - totally relatable :)) But those little wins really do add up. And yes, perfection is overrated… progress is where the magic happens!