- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
Ann Lloyd
""Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~John Muir"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,331 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO6.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO29single-use bagsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1.0water collection systeminstalled
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UP TO1.0donationmade
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UP TO590minutesspent exercising
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UP TO1.0productreplaced with sustainable alternatives
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UP TO2.0community eventshosted or attended
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UP TO1.0sharing economyexplored
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UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
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UP TO11beautification projectssupported
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UP TO69minutesspent learning
Ann's actions
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!
Sustainable Innovation
Replace Old Bulbs with LED Bulbs
Energy-efficient lighting is a bright idea. I will replace 6 incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Sustainable Innovation
Support Resilient Powergrids
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).
Sustainable Innovation
Donate to or Support Low-Income Solar Initiatives
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.
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!
Health and Well-Being
Exercise Daily
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 Innovation
Advocate For Better Food Packaging
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.
Community and Connection
Host a Gathering
Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.
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.
Empowering the Next Generation
Support a Youth-Led Project
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.
Land, Water, and Air
Collect Rain Water
Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports gardens. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for 1 outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.
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.
Health and Well-Being
Prepare for Extreme Weather
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.
Wildlife
Learn to Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Being a responsible pet owner means minimizing the impact pets have on wildlife by keeping them indoors, never setting them 'free' into nature, and supervising pets when they are outside to prevent them from hunting or disturbing wild animals. This also keeps our pets safe from harm. I will spend 15 minutes learning about ways to ensure my pet’s behavior and care practices protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.
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 2 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.
Wildlife
Remove Invasive Species
Removing invasive species (species that are not naturally found in my area and can outcompete native plants) can help beautify nature around me and protect local biodiversity. I will learn about invasive plants in my area and, if possible, support or participate in at least one effort to beautify nature near me by removing invasive species.
Wildlife
Try At Least One Principle of Leave No Trace
After learning about the Principles of Leave No Trace, I will take at least one action to minimize my impact on the outdoors while enjoying nature. I will post what I tried to the feed to encourage others to do the same!
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.
Community and Connection
Swap and Share with Others
Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 2 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.
Sustainable Innovation
Support a Crowdfunded Sustainability Innovation
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.
Wildlife
Donate to Support Wildlife
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.
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 4 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
Health and Well-Being
Go Get a Check Up
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.
Wildlife
Plant (or Adopt) a Plant
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.
Wildlife
Learn to be a Responsible Tourist
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 25 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlifeWhat project or organization did you choose to support, and why did it resonate with you? What are some ways you can continue to support wildlife conservation beyond financial contributions?
Ann Lloyd 4/30/2025 5:53 AMI donated to Des Moines Lake Association for the installation of a new decontamination station to preserve our water quality and protect our native species. I will continue to volunteer my time and efforts to the Clean Boats, Clean Waters initiative. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSustainable InnovationHow did replacing old bulbs with LED bulbs make you feel about reducing your energy consumption? What other small energy-saving actions could you take to reduce your environmental impact?
Ann Lloyd 4/28/2025 12:04 PM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
I have been gradually replacing all my bulbs with LED. I just wish the LED bulbs actually lasted as long as the packaging advertises.-
Ann Lloyd 4/29/2025 6:02 AM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
I take my used LED bulbs to Home Depot. They have a recycling bin for bulbs...at least they used to. I guess it has been a while. -
Lara Tellis 4/28/2025 3:00 PM- Book Lover 📚
- 11-DAY STREAK
I also buy LED. But where can you recycle them? I remember that was an issue when they first came out. -
ana ⏳ crisan 4/28/2025 12:15 PM- Plant Parent 🪴
- 17-DAY STREAK
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Carmen Deale 4/28/2025 12:11 PM- TEAM CAPTAIN
- Exercise Lover 🤸
- 17-DAY STREAK
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REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Well-BeingWhat did you do to prepare for extreme weather events? Share any tips or resources you found helpful in the feed!
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REFLECTION QUESTION
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlifeHow did it feel to plant something, and what kind of gardening did you do (indoors, hydroponic, outside in a garden, etc)? What did you plant and where? Feel free to share a photo to the feed!
Ann Lloyd 4/24/2025 6:01 AM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
Gardening is a form of meditation for me. It is so calming. Our garden club had our annual seedling event. I picked up some herbs, vegetables, and flowers and added them to the collection I overwintered in the basement. It is too early for most things yet, but hoping for a better year in my backyard garden. Last year was rough!
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REFLECTION QUESTION
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlifeWhat did you learn about how tourism impacts wildlife, and how can you make more conscious choices when planning a trip? How do you think your travel decisions can contribute to wildlife conservation and respectful interactions with nature?
Ann Lloyd 4/20/2025 1:26 PM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
I don't know if I'll ever be fortunate enough to take a wildlife trip to Africa or Thailand, but I will do my homework and make it a responsible one if I do. I have enjoyed our local Erin Hassanzadeh's On The Edge recent documentary about the polar bears in Churchill. Getting great coverage. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/on-the-edge-captures-a-canadian-town-at-the-front-lines-of-climate-change/ -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirHow did collecting rainwater influence your understanding of sustainable water use? What tasks or activities could benefit most from rainwater collection in your household?
Ann Lloyd 4/20/2025 6:31 AM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
Our rain barrel has been quite an ordeal over the past winter. I didn't get it put away before it froze solid. We wanted to move it, but it had to weigh 300 lbs. I won't make that mistake again!-
Stephen Guthrie 4/20/2025 6:52 AM- TEAM CAPTAIN
- Earth Advocate 📣
- 17-DAY STREAK
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REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity and ConnectionWhat did you learn about the sacred site’s history and significance? Why are these sites important to protect, support, and understand?
Ann Lloyd 4/17/2025 6:52 AM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
I wasn't able to visit the sacred tribal location nearest me since it is a 5 hour drive, but I will make a visit this summer when I am on the north shore of Lake Superior. I did visit the Shakopee Mdewakanton website and read about their sustainability efforts. This community is very close to our headquarters location. https://shakopeedakota.org/environment/sustainability/ -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlifeWhat invasive species did you learn about in your area, and how do they impact native plants and wildlife? If you were able to support or partiicpate in an effort to remove invasive species, what did you do, and how it go?
Ann Lloyd 4/13/2025 4:43 PM- Climate Advocate 🌱
- 17-DAY STREAK
One effort of our lake association is to remove purple loosestrife, among other invasives. We have some growing in a wetland area adjacent to our property. I'll be getting out my waders in a few months to keep on top of this invader that clogs out the good plants.