Takashi Nakamura

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.

1. Composting reduces waste, makes us less dependent on landfills, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Chart source: U.S. EPA ... 2. Compost strengthens soil and promotes healthy plant growth. ... 3. Composting reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. ... 4. Composting recycles essential nutrients back into the soil. ... 5. Compost promotes a prolific soil ecosystem.

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.

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!

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.