Harkiran Saluja

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.

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.

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.

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!

Seaweed is a powerful ally for the planet. I will spend 5 minutes learning how seaweed can improve ocean health, capture carbon, support sustainable food systems, and inspire eco-friendly products.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 5 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 5 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 8 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

Innovation can create a more sustainable world. I will spend 5 minutes learning about new materials, technologies, ideas, or practices that help solve environmental challenges and improve our planet's future.

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 10 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

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.

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.

Young people are making a big impact on the world. I will spend 5 minutes learning about a young leader working on environmental or social justice issues to get inspired and share their story on social media or the Ecochallenge feed.

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.

Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 5 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 5 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 5 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

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