Ecochallenge.org

Earth Month Ecochallenge 2024: Conservation

April 1 - April 30, 2024

Sijoy Sagar

Community Team

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
85 THIS WEEK
456 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.0

advocacy action

completed
UP TO

1.0

community event

hosted or attended
UP TO

30

hours

volunteered
UP TO

445

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

495

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

208

pieces of litter

picked up
UP TO

159

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

102

plastic straws

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

25

trees

planted
UP TO

1.0

waste audit

conducted

Sijoy's actions

Land + Forests

Explore My Area

When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 45 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

Land + Forests

Zero Waste Day

The impacts of our waste are far reaching. I will create zero waste for an entire day and share my reflections and learnings on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Join a Cleanup Effort

I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Plant Trees

Trees capture carbon and produce oxygen that is essential to life on earth. I will support this important piece of nature by organizing or joining a community group to plant 10 native trees in my community, public parks, office location, campus or backyard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Community

Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans

I will spend 15 minutes learning more about the importance of freshwater + ocean conservation, and how I can reduce my water use. I will share what I learn with people in person, on social media, and on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity + Wildlife

Seek Alternative Gifts and Souvenirs

When traveling, I will seek souvenirs that support local communities and do not cause harm to the environment or wildlife.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity + Wildlife

Volunteer in my Community

I will volunteer 30 hours in my community.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Personal Waste Audit

The waste we create daily can go unnoticed. I will track the waste I create in a day and post a photo log on the feed to see how much I create and where I can make different choices to reduce my waste going forward.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

Choose Eco-Friendly Wood and Paper

Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. Buying products that help protect forests makes a difference. I will only purchase wood, furniture, and paper products from ecologically certified sources such as Forest Stewardship Council.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity + Wildlife

Invest in Nature

A healthy world needs both our daily actions and support from larger systems. I will spend 10 minutes learning about how I can use my investments and savings to advance environmental sustainability.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Climate + Air

Choose Renewable Energy

Renewable energy options are becoming more widespread and accessible. Not only are they good for the planet, they can help save money as well. I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will contact them to advocate for this option in the future.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land + Forests

30 for 30 in Nature

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 (in a large or small patch of nature), then share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the feed.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

Freshwater + Oceans

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

Itr'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 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

Freshwater + Oceans

Learn About Water Justice in My Area

I will spend at least 30 minutes a day using the resources provided to learn about water justice and find out how I can get involved in local initiatives.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

Freshwater + Oceans

Low Water Gardening

Grass lawns are water-intensive and on average require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. Native plants are water-efficient and help maintain the balance and diversity of local ecosystems. I will plant native species with water-efficient plants to conserve water and improve the habitat, then post a photo on the feed to share.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Freshwater + Oceans

Say No to Plastic Straws

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When marine wildlife ingest plastic, they have a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 6 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

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 17
DAILY ACTIONS

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
Land + Forests 30 for 30 in Nature

What have you noticed about how it feels to spend consistent time outside?

Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:35 PM

Spending consistent time outside can have a profound impact on both physical and mental well-being. Here are some observations about how it feels to spend time outdoors regularly:

Connection to Nature: Spending time outside fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. Whether it's feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, listening to the rustle of leaves in the wind, or looking at the beauty of a scenic landscape, being outdoors allows you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature.

Increased Energy and Vitality: Being outdoors can invigorate the body and mind, providing a natural boost of energy and liveliness. Whether you are going for a walk in the park, hiking along a forest trail, or simply enjoying a picnic in the backyard, spending time outside can help rejuvenate your spirit and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Stress Reduction: Nature has a calming effect on the mind and can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Spending time in green spaces or natural environments can promote relaxation, reduce cortisol levels, and improve overall mood. Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden or practicing mindfulness in a peaceful outdoor setting, being outdoors can provide a welcome respite from the demands of everyday life.

Improved Mental Clarity: Being outside can clear the mind and improve mental clarity. Whether you are taking a break from work to enjoy a brief walk outside or incorporating outdoor activities like gardening or birdwatching into your routine, spending time in nature can help sharpen focus, enhance creativity, and promote mental well-being.

Physical Health Benefits: In addition to the mental and emotional benefits, spending time outdoors can also have positive effects on physical health. Activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, or playing sports outdoors provide opportunities for exercise and movement, which can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and boost overall fitness levels.

Overall, spending consistent time outside can have a profound impact on overall well-being, contributing to greater happiness, vitality, and a sense of connection to the natural world. Whether it's immersing oneself in the beauty of nature, engaging in outdoor activities, or simply taking a moment to pause and appreciate the world around us, the benefits of spending time outdoors are undeniable.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Freshwater + Oceans Say No to Plastic Straws

What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) do you regularly use? What could be substituted instead?

Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:29 PM

As someone who is conscious of the environmental impact of single-use items, I make an effort to minimize their use in my daily life. However, there are still some single-use items that I may regularly use, along with potential substitutes:

Plastic water bottles: While I try to avoid purchasing plastic water bottles whenever possible, there may be instances where I forget to bring a reusable water bottle and need to buy bottled water. To reduce my reliance on plastic bottles, I could make a habit of carrying a refillable water bottle with me wherever I go.

Plastic grocery bags: Although I strive to use reusable grocery bags when shopping, there are times when I forget to bring them or end up with additional items that require extra bags. In these situations, I could opt for paper bags or ask for fewer plastic bags at the checkout counter. Additionally, I could invest in compact reusable bags that are easy to carry with me at all times.

Plastic straws: While I rarely use plastic straws, they may still be included with drinks when dining out or ordering takeaway. To eliminate the need for plastic straws, I could request beverages without straws or invest in reusable alternatives such as stainless steel or bamboo straws to use at home.

Coffee cups: Although I prefer to enjoy my coffee in a reusable travel mug, there may be times when I forget to bring one or purchase coffee on the go. To reduce my reliance on disposable coffee cups, I could make a conscious effort to bring my own mug when visiting coffee shops or invest in a collapsible travel cup that I can easily carry with me.

Vegetable bags: When shopping for produce, I often use the thin plastic bags provided in grocery stores to separate and carry fruits and vegetables. To avoid using these single-use bags, I could opt for reusable mesh produce bags or simply place loose produce directly into my shopping cart or reusable grocery bags.

By making small changes in my consumption habits and opting for reusable alternatives whenever possible, I can minimize my reliance on single-use items and contribute to reducing plastic waste in the environment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Freshwater + Oceans Learn About Water Justice in My Area

Who is affected by polluted water or a lack of access to water in your region? How are they affected?

Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:26 PM

In many regions around the world, including my own, various communities and groups are affected by polluted water or a lack of access to clean water. These effects can be far-reaching and impact individuals, families, and entire communities in several ways:

Health Impacts: One of the most significant effects of polluted water is its impact on human health. Contaminated water can harbour harmful pathogens, bacteria, and pollutants that can cause waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. People who consume or come into contact with polluted water are at risk of contracting these illnesses, leading to serious health complications and, in some cases, even death.

Economic Burden: Communities affected by polluted water often face economic burdens as a result of increased healthcare costs and lost productivity. Families may have to spend a significant portion of their income on medical treatment for water-related illnesses, reducing their ability to invest in other essential needs such as education, food, and shelter. Additionally, businesses may suffer from decreased productivity due to employee absences resulting from waterborne illnesses.

Environmental Degradation: Pollution of water sources can have detrimental effects on the environment, including aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity. Chemical pollutants and toxins can contaminate rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to fish kills, algae blooms, and habitat destruction. This not only affects the health and survival of aquatic organisms but also disrupts the balance of entire ecosystems.

Social Inequities: Access to clean water is a basic human right, yet many marginalized and vulnerable communities face barriers to accessing safe and reliable water sources. Lack of access to clean water disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as women, children, indigenous communities, and those living in poverty. These communities may be forced to travel long distances to collect water, which can take time away from other activities such as education and income-generating opportunities.

Conflict and Instability: In regions where access to water is scarce or contested, competition over limited water resources can exacerbate existing social tensions and conflicts. Disputes over water rights and allocation can lead to social unrest, displacement of communities, and even violence. In extreme cases, water scarcity can contribute to humanitarian crises and exacerbate existing challenges such as food insecurity and poverty.

Addressing the challenges of polluted water and lack of access to clean water requires comprehensive and sustainable solutions that prioritize environmental protection, public health, and social equity. This includes investing in water infrastructure, promoting sustainable water management practices, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all communities.

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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?

Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:23 PM

The amount of plastic we consume and its impact on the environment is staggering. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in landfills, rivers, oceans, and other natural habitats, causing significant harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to marine life, contributes to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases during production and disposal, and has far-reaching consequences for the planet.

To reduce my use of plastic, I will take the following actions:

Minimize Single-Use Plastics: I will make a conscious effort to reduce my consumption of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, bottles, utensils, and straws. Instead, I will opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles, and bamboo utensils.

Choose Plastic-Free Packaging: Whenever possible, I will choose products that are packaged in eco-friendly materials such as glass, paper, or compostable plastics. I will also support brands and businesses that prioritize sustainable packaging practices.

Avoid Microplastics: I will be mindful of products that contain microplastics, such as personal care products and cleaning supplies. I will seek out alternatives that are free from microplastics to minimize their impact on the environment.

Recycle Properly: I will ensure that I recycle plastic items responsibly and according to local recycling guidelines. This includes cleaning and sorting recyclables properly to maximize their chances of being recycled into new materials.

Support Legislation and Policies: I will advocate for policies and regulations that aim to reduce plastic consumption and promote alternatives to single-use plastics at the local, national, and global levels. I will also support initiatives that promote extended producer responsibility and encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

Educate Others: I will share information and resources with friends, family, and community members about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing plastic consumption. By raising awareness and inspiring others to act, we can collectively make a difference in addressing this urgent issue.

By implementing these actions and making conscious choices to reduce my use of plastic, I hope to contribute to the broader effort to combat plastic pollution and create a more sustainable future for our planet.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Action Track: Community Keep My Community Clean

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:22 PM

Picking up litter can deepen your connection to your community in several meaningful ways:

Sense of Ownership, Positive Impact, Community Engagement, Environmental Awareness, Inspiring Others

Overall, picking up litter is not just about tidying up public spaces, it's about actively participating in the well-being and vitality of your community. It raises a sense of connection, responsibility, and collective action that can strengthen the bonds among community members and create a more vibrant and sustainable environment for all.

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Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:19 PM

Preservation of the environment, promotion of sustainable development and particular attention to climate change are matters of grave concern for the entire human family.

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- Ashish Goyal 4/16/2024 9:24 PM
  
  Well said
  
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Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:19 PM

Energy is essential for development, and sustainable energy is essential for sustainable development.

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Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:18 PM

Sustainable development and climate change are two sides of the same coin

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Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:17 PM

There can be no sustainable development without sustainable energy development

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Sijoy Sagar 4/16/2024 9:16 PM

What pleases me most is that sustainable development is on almost everybody's agenda now.

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