Kathleen Schlicht

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.