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Ann Lloyd's avatar

Ann Lloyd

Emerson Twin Cities

""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

  • UP TO
    6.0
    lightbulbs
    replaced
  • UP TO
    29
    single-use bags
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water collection system
    installed
  • UP TO
    1.0
    donation
    made
  • UP TO
    590
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    1.0
    product
    replaced with sustainable alternatives
  • UP TO
    2.0
    community events
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    1.0
    sharing economy
    explored
  • UP TO
    1.0
    advocacy action
    completed
  • UP TO
    11
    beautification projects
    supported
  • UP TO
    69
    minutes
    spent 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!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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).

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

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.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

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

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 18
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

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!

COMPLETED 20
DAILY ACTIONS

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

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    What 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's avatar
    Ann Lloyd 4/30/2025 5:53 AM
    • Climate Advocate 🌱
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    I 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 QUESTION
    Sustainable Innovation
    How 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's avatar
    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's avatar
      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's avatar
      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's avatar
      ana ⏳ crisan 4/28/2025 12:15 PM
      • Plant Parent 🪴
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Nice

    • Carmen  Deale's avatar
      Carmen Deale 4/28/2025 12:11 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Exercise Lover 🤸
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Nice work, Ann! Thank you for sharing.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    What did you do to prepare for extreme weather events? Share any tips or resources you found helpful in the feed!

    Ann Lloyd's avatar
    Ann Lloyd 4/28/2025 12:02 PM
    • Climate Advocate 🌱
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    I read about the steps I can take to harden my home against wildfires. Residing or shingling is a big investment, but keeping gutters and foundation areas free of debris is something I can do.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What was the most rewarding part of bringing people together for a gathering? Did you experience any challenges in hosting, and if so, how did you overcome them?

    Ann Lloyd's avatar
    Ann Lloyd 4/27/2025 7:19 PM
    • Climate Advocate 🌱
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    Laughing together is a big reward.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    How 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's avatar
    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!
  • 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?

    Ann Lloyd's avatar
    Ann Lloyd 4/22/2025 11:34 AM
    • Climate Advocate 🌱
    • 17-DAY STREAK
    This was hard work but fun!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    What 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's avatar
    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 QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    How 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's avatar
    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!
  • 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?

    Ann Lloyd's avatar
    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 QUESTION
    Wildlife
    What 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's avatar
    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.