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Kathleen Schlicht's avatar

Kathleen Schlicht

ITSM Green Giants

"Planet Earth is what we ALL have in common. "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,588 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    energy audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    1.0
    carbon footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    540
    gallons of water
    saved
  • UP TO
    3.0
    products
    replaced with sustainable alternatives
  • UP TO
    1.0
    donation
    made
  • UP TO
    121
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    1.0
    idea
    shared
  • UP TO
    2.0
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    1,515
    minutes
    spent learning

Kathleen's actions

Land, Water, and Air

Learn to Choose Forest-Friendly Foods

Our food choices can help protect forests and wildlife. I will spend 15 minutes learning how to choose foods that are grown in ways that protect forests, such as avoiding products linked to deforestation and seeking certified sustainable options like shade-grown coffee or palm oil-free products.

COMPLETED 22
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Check In with a Friend or Colleague

Staying connected strengthens relationships and boosts well-being. Each day, I will reach out to 3 friends or colleagues to check in, have a meaningful conversation, or offer support.

COMPLETED 27
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Prepare for Extreme Weather

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

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

Wildlife

Donate to Support Wildlife

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Visit or Learn About a Culturally Significant Site Near Me

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Go Get a Check Up

Regular health check-ups help prevent problems before they start. I will schedule or attend a medical, dental, or mental health check-up to take care of my well-being.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to be a Responsible Tourist

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Take Shorter Showers

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!

COMPLETED 27
DAILY ACTIONS

Empowering the Next Generation

Conduct an Audit with a Young Person

Learning by doing empowers youth. I will conduct an environmental audit — such as a home energy or waste audit — alongside a young person to teach them practical sustainability skills and see what I learn from them as well.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to Grow Plants Your Way

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 30 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Learn about Sustainable Innovation

Innovation can create a more sustainable world. I will spend 30 minutes learning about new materials, technologies, ideas, or practices that help solve environmental challenges and improve our planet's future.

COMPLETED 20
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Share Information about Local Resources

Knowledge of local resources helps communities thrive. I will learn about local resources, especially mutual aid groups, and share them with others on social media, in conversations, or in other ways that help spread the word.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Support Youth Climate Activists

Youth activists are leading the charge for a better world. I will spend 60 minutes learning about or supporting youth climate activists through sharing their work or attending their events.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn How to Save the Bees

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 60 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Being a responsible pet owner means minimizing the impact pets have on wildlife by keeping them indoors, never setting them 'free' into nature, and supervising pets when they are outside to prevent them from hunting or disturbing wild animals. This also keeps our pets safe from harm. I will spend 15 minutes learning about ways to ensure my pet’s behavior and care practices protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 60 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Replace a Product

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Learn About Water Justice

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 30 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Reducing energy use helps protect the air and climate. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy and reduce pollution.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Choose a Product Made with Sustainable Materials

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Advocate For Better Food Packaging

When companies and governments make large-scale changes to their products and practices, it makes sustainability more accessible to the masses, in turn creating further demand for sustainable products, and the cycle continues. I will advocate for improved, sustainable food packaging through petitions, letters, or by supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging - and share my advocacy actions on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Calculate My Carbon Impact

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Join a Group

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Support a Youth-Led Project

Youth-led projects drive innovation and change. I will support youth-led environmental projects by offering time, resources, or encouragement and share how I supported youth on the Ecochallenge feed.

UNCOMPLETED
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?


  • Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/30/2025 3:57 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    Thank you Ecochallenge for another great year! See you next year :)
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    Are you a gardener or house plant lover? Why or why not? What do you need to elevate your plant care skills?

    Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/30/2025 3:56 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    I would love to be BOTH! However, I live in an apartment with no direct sunlight and I have a cat. I do not want to keep plants that he can eat.
    I picked this action because I wanted to put some energy into finding what i could grown on my porch in the shade. I am going to try growing herbs. Mint, Chives, and cilantro :)
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What did you learn about the sacred site’s history and significance? Why are these sites important to protect, support, and understand?

    Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/29/2025 2:45 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    https://rockwallcountymuseum.com/rock-wall/

    I visited the museum at Harry Myers Park and learned about the rock wall from which the town got its name.

    Community Identity and Pride: Preserving historical places helps to foster a sense of belonging and pride within communities by highlighting their unique heritage.



  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Sustainable Innovation
    What actions did you take to advocate for sustainable food packaging, and how were they received? How do you think widespread changes in food packaging could benefit the planet?

    Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/29/2025 2:31 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    I signed the global plastics treaty petition via the earth day website.

    Reduced Plastic Waste and Pollution:
    Biodegradable Alternatives:
    Shifting from plastic to materials like bioplastics, bamboo, or glass can drastically reduce the amount of plastic entering landfills and oceans.
    Recycling and Reuse:
    Improving recycling infrastructure and promoting reusable packaging systems can further minimize waste generation and ensure materials are reused rather than discarded.
    Source Reduction:
    Optimizing packaging sizes, using lighter materials, and reducing unnecessary layers can minimize the amount of packaging waste in the first place.
    Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change Mitigation:
    Lower Carbon Footprint:
    Using renewable materials and optimizing transportation and storage can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of food packaging.
    Reduced Methane Emissions:
    Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing food waste through better packaging can help mitigate climate change.
    Sustainable Resource Management:
    Prioritizing sustainable materials and production processes ensures that resources are used efficiently and sustainably, minimizing their overall environmental impact.
    Protecting Ecosystems and Biodiversity:
    Reduced Plastic Pollution:
    By reducing plastic waste, we can minimize the negative impacts of plastic pollution on marine life, wildlife, and ecosystems.
    Sustainable Resource Extraction:
    Using renewable and sustainably sourced materials reduces the pressure on natural resources and helps protect ecosystems.
    Reduced Chemical Leaching:
    Some plastic packaging materials can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water, impacting ecosystems and human health. Sustainable alternatives minimize these risks.
    Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Food Waste:
    Extended Shelf Life:
    Better packaging can help extend the shelf life of food, reducing spoilage and waste, particularly in developing countries.
    Reduced Resource Depletion:
    By preventing food waste, we reduce the resources (land, water, energy) used to grow and transport food.
    Promoting Circular Economy:
    Closed-Loop Systems:
    Reusable packaging and improved recycling infrastructure create a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled, minimizing waste and resource depletion.
    Reduced reliance on virgin materials:
    Using recycled materials and sustainable alternatives reduces the need to extract new resources, promoting a more sustainable future.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    How do pollinators impact your daily life, and what changes can you make to ensure they continue to thrive?

    Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/24/2025 3:12 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    I watched the Bumble Bee Atlas: Ecology and Conservation: 2025 that was posted a couple of days ago. Please give it a watch. So many interesting facts/ideas and love for bees discussed. Speakers did a GREAT job.

    Without pollinators we would face a less diverse and nutritious food supply.




  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What water justice issues did you learn about, and who is most affected in your community? How can you contribute to creating equitable access to clean water in your area?

    Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/22/2025 6:24 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    In Rockwall County, Texas, water justice issues arise from a combination of factors, including the town of McLendon-Chisolm's dependence on a private water utility, RCH (Rockwall County Holdings), for its water supply, and concerns about the company's ability to adequately meet the needs of the community. Additionally, concerns about dam erosion and potential failure have further highlighted water-related infrastructure challenges in the area.

    How can you contribute to creating equitable access to clean water in your area? CONSERVATION and share with other to do the same all year and just not during the drought season.

    *
    This issue had two sides but they ultimately found that there wasn't enough water for the community, even using conservation.

    • Lisa Brenskelle's avatar
      Lisa Brenskelle 4/22/2025 7:49 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • 15-DAY STREAK
      Can rainwater harvesting help, or re-use waste water for non-potable uses?

  • Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/22/2025 5:31 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    Watched YouTube Jessica Lobo from Canon explains why sustainability matters - Asking yourself who not, instead of why? I liked that.

    • Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
      Kathleen Schlicht 4/22/2025 6:46 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      • 16-DAY STREAK
      Typo: Asking yourself why not instead of why DOH!

  • Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/22/2025 12:47 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    Thank you EVERYONE for making a difference.


  • Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/21/2025 3:58 PM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    I spent time today reading many great articles on the Climate Action website. Found this interesting:

    The emergence of Agribusiness:
    The evolution of agriculture was not just technological but also structural. In 1957, the term ‘agribusiness’ was coined to describe the entire system of operations involved in farming - from input production to processing and distribution. This concept transformed farms into commercial enterprises, leading to vertical integration and the industrialization of agriculture. No longer localized, farms became increasingly business-like and factory-oriented, with economic efficiency taking precedence over environmental or health considerations.

    :(


  • Kathleen Schlicht's avatar
    Kathleen Schlicht 4/20/2025 10:31 AM
    • TEAM CAPTAIN
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    • 16-DAY STREAK
    I watched a youtube about syntropic food forest Free range Living channel. Interesting stuff for sure.

    A syntropic food forest is a specific type of agroforestry designed to mimic the structure and function of natural forests, focusing on ecological succession and self-sufficiency. It involves planting a variety of plants, including annuals, perennials, and trees, in a layered system to create a productive and resilient ecosystem. The goal is to achieve high yields at all stages of succession while also building soil health and biodiversity.