Swetha M

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 15 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

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.

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.

Youth voices matter and deserve to be heard. I will spend 15 minutes actively listening to and learning from young people about concerns, ideas, or experiences about environmental issues, either through conversations, speeches, or media.

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.

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.

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 2 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

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

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.

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.

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 15 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Energy-efficient lighting is a bright idea. I will replace 5 incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

A clean community benefits everyone. Each day I am outside, I will pick up 3 pieces of litter to keep my community clean.

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.

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.

Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 3 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

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.