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Kirsty Robertson's avatar

Kirsty Robertson

Intelex

"Conservation is to inspire and empower individuals to take meaningful actions towards preserving and protecting our planets precious natural resources. Through education, advocacy, and collective effort, I (we) strive for a sustainable future for generations to come by promoting biodiversity, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 906 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    energy audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    1.0
    Carbon Footprint
    Calculated
  • UP TO
    35
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    29
    pieces of litter
    picked up
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    1.0
    minute
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    52
    minutes
    spent learning

Kirsty's actions

Climate + Air

Online Energy Audit

Energy use and waste is often invisible. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Regenerative Agriculture and Me

Regenerative agriculture focuses on farming and ranching in a way that supports life and restores the soil. I will spend 10 minutes learning about regenerative agriculture and find out if any nearby farms practice regenerative agriculture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Keep My Community Clean

At times it may not feel like it's up to us to keep our community clean and healthy, but we all have a role to play. Each day I am outside, I will pick up any litter I see.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Freshwater + Oceans

Cooking Oil Disposal

Pouring cooking oil down the drain can cause damage to waterways and ecosystems. I will learn how to properly dispose of cooking oil to help support healthy ecosystems.

COMPLETED 25
DAILY ACTIONS

Land + Forests

Explore My Area

When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 30 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood, office, or campus (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Freshwater + Oceans

Dishwasher Efficiency

Hand washing dishes can use more energy and hot water than a dishwasher. To save water, I will use a dishwasher and scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Freshwater + Oceans

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

It's estimated over a billion water bottles are thrown away each year. Even if they were recycled, that still uses energy and resources from the earth. I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Climate + Air

Calculate My Carbon Impact

Carbon emissions can show up in many surprising ways in our life. I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how lifestyle changes could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity + Wildlife

Leave No Trace

I will respect and protect biotic communities by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace whenever I am outside.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Freshwater + Oceans

Understand My Water Footprint

Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity + Wildlife

Endangered Species

Wildlife and biodiversity play an important role on our planet and are being threatened each year. I will spend 15 minutes each day learning about the current status of local or global wildlife and how I can align my actions to support their livelihood.

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
    Action Track: Community Keep My Community Clean
    How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/30/2024 2:01 AM
    It's a shared responsibility to keep our community clean and safe. Picking up litter not only helps keep our community clean and attractive but also fosters a sense of connection, pride and environmental awareness.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land + Forests Explore My Area
    Where did you go for your walk or hike in nature? What were the benefits of doing so?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/30/2024 1:58 AM
    We've recently moved to a new area so there are plenty of areas to explore. We visited a local nature reserve that has a loch and woodland to explore.

    The reserve is home to Swallows and breeding waders in spring and summer, migratory geese and Whooper Swans in autumn, and woodland birds all year round.

    My son especially enjoyed bird spotting in the bird hides and watching as the bees worked their magic in the surrounding areas.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land + Forests Regenerative Agriculture and Me
    What did you learn about the practice and benefits of regenerative agriculture? How can you support healthy farming practices for people and the planet?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/30/2024 1:52 AM
    I learned some of the following benefits of regenerative agriculture:
    1. Soil Health - Healthy soils are resilient to erosion, retain water better, and support higher crop yields

    2. Carbon Sequestration - Regenerative agriculture has the potential to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere and store in the soil, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing GHG and enhancing carbon sinks

    3. Biodiversity: by promoting diverse crop rotation, regenerative agriculture fosters biodiversity on farms. Healthy ecosystems support a variety of plant and animal species and pollinators with contributes to the overall ecosystem resilience

    I can support healthy farming practices by -

    1. Supporting local farmers
    2. Choosing organic
    3. Learning and advocating
    4. Reducing food waste
    5. Supporting research and innovation
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate + Air Online Energy Audit
    Where did you do an energy audit (work, home, school, other) and what did you learn?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/30/2024 1:43 AM
    I performed an energy audit of our home and learned that there are definitely some improvements that can be made! Our home has an Energy Report of "C" as it is an older property but the following improvements we are going to look into -
    - replace all lighting with energy efficient bulbs (complete)
    - additional insulation in the loft space
    - sealing air leaks around doors / windows to prevent air escaping
    - smart thermostat installation (complete)
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Freshwater + Oceans Use a Reusable Water Bottle
    What did you learn about the amount of plastic we consume and what actions will you take to reduce your use of plastic?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/29/2024 12:47 AM
    Reflecting on the amount of plastic we consume can be eye opening, from packaging to products themselves. Realising the environmental impact, I'm committed to taking action to reduce our household plastic consumption.
    We'll focus on minimizing single use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives like water bottles, shopping bags and containers. I'll also be more mindful of product packing, choosing items with minimal or recyclable packaging whenever possible.

    • Fernando Terra's avatar
      Fernando Terra 4/29/2024 9:01 AM
      It is incredible how much we can change when we start reflecting on our single plastic use. Form me the biggest change was when I started using only reusable shopping bags. The supermarket I shop in is not providing plastic bags anymore, imagine the impact they had with that change, considering all the people that shop there everyday.

  • Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/25/2024 1:38 AM
    I recently participated in the London Marathon and was delighted to see that the organisers had a stand at the TCS London Marathon Running Show that took place from Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 April at ExCeL London. The stand was for educating participants and spectators on the Environmental and Sustainability impact of the event and steps users can take to reduce their contribution. Here's a link to find out more - https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/more/sustainability

    • Fernando Terra's avatar
      Fernando Terra 4/30/2024 2:27 PM
      How is the organization in therms of cleaning in the Marathons there? Here they usually distribute water bottles during the marathons and sometimes there are not enough waste containers along the course.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate + Air Calculate My Carbon Impact
    Where in your life do you emit the most carbon? What change are you willing to make in your daily life to reduce this output?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/04/2024 6:09 AM
    My climate pledge -
    1. Consider switching to a more environmentally friendly car
    2. Walk or bike more (school runs etc)
    3. Try to shop for seasonal goods
    4. Prioritize locally grown food
    5. Compost food waste
    6. Choose sustainable pet food
    7. Avoid products containing palm oil
    8. Reduce use of plastic (consider when purchasing food)
    9. Shop less, plan more!
    10. Adopt circular shopping habits
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Freshwater + Oceans Understand My Water Footprint
    What did you learn about your water footprint and what are you going to do to reduce and be aware of the water you use?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/04/2024 5:52 AM
    Using the water footprint calculator, I learned that my water footprint is about average but areas such as shopping habits, diet (occasional meat eater) and pet food were my biggest contributors. Some tips I've learned to be a smarter shopper and save water:

    1. Choose water efficient products such as faucets, showerheads, toilets and appliances and reserve possible wherever possible
    2. Buy locally grown produce
    3. Be mindful of packaging
    4. Reduce meat consumption
    5. Buy quality, reusable products
    6. Consider making my own pet food

    • Jeremy Phillips's avatar
      Jeremy Phillips 4/09/2024 2:08 PM
      The shopping habits part was the most surprising thing to me - something that makes sense but also not one you often think about. Great list of options you're looking at!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Biodiversity + Wildlife Endangered Species
    What endangered species did you learn about and what did you learn?

    Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 4/04/2024 5:34 AM
    Some endangered species in Scotland include the Scottish wildcat, European otter, red squirrel, and freshwater pearl mussel. These species face threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore populations.

    Biodiversity has intrinsic value – it is valuable in its own right. Over 1.75 million species have been identified on earth, but scientists estimate there could be as many as 14 million! In Scotland, we have around 90,000 species.

    I researched my local council biodiversity action plan which sets out nature conservation priorities and projects for the region. It will help to improve the condition of habitats and protect species. It will contribute to restoring and enhancing landscapes.

    Our region supports 26 species of European importance, including
    the otter, great crested newt and six types of bat on land, as well as
    many types of whales, dolphins and porpoises in our seas. We have
    over 150 UK Biodiversity Action Plan species. Iconic Scottish species
    such as salmon, dolphins and puffins make up the 262 species on
    the Scottish Biodiversity List known to occur in the region. We also have
    rarities, such as white-tailed eagle and the only east coast population
    of the unusual Thyme broomrape.

  • Kirsty Robertson's avatar
    Kirsty Robertson 3/27/2024 5:03 AM
    I joined this challenge to make a positive impact on the environment, to learn more about sustainable practices and to challenge myself to adopt greener habits. What's your why?

    • Fernando Terra's avatar
      Fernando Terra 4/11/2024 10:09 AM
      I joined the challenge to lear more about my footprint and learn ways to reduce it and teach others to change their actions too.