Sonya Scott

Mowing your lawn less — even every two to three weeks — allows flowering plants to bloom, providing bees and other pollinators with the nectar and pollen that they rely on. Decreasing mowing gives flowers a chance to bloom uninterrupted and in greater abundance. Longer grass can also provide other benefits to invertebrates including shelter.

Pesticides are harmful to wildlife, to pets and to human health. Research has linked exposure to pesticides to a range of human health issues, including cancers, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, diabetes and fertility issues.

If you choose to fertilize your lawn, there are several actions you can take to minimize its impacts on water. First, make sure to only use the type and amount of fertilizer your lawn needs, starting with a soil test. Ask questions if a lawn care company applies fertilizer to your lawn. Most universities recommend 3 to 4 fertilizer applications during the growing season. Never fertilize before a rainfall. Of course, there is another option: don’t fertilize at all. You can actually have a healthy lawn by opting not to fertilize.

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce sources of outdoor light or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.

Sharing knowledge helps others nurture their well-being. Through social media, in the Ecochallenge feed, or in conversations, I will share 1 health or well-being resources with friends, family, or my community to promote a healthier, more resilient world.

Pledge to limit your exposure to plastics in one or more of the following ways: - Don't heat your food or beverages in plastic containers or Teflon-coated metals - Avoid using plastic cups, straws, cutlery and storage containers whenever possible - Purchase foods and products with little or no plastic packaging - Don't drink coffee made from K-cups - Use foil instead of plastic wrap; choose glass and metal over plastics

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend 10 minutes learning how to support local pollinators and take at least one action—such as planting native flowers or avoiding pesticides—to help sustain resilient ecosystems and harvests.

Growing food builds resilience by connecting us to the soil and reducing reliance on long supply chains. I will grow edible plants—such as herbs, vegetables, or grains—in my home, balcony, or community space, strengthening both my food security and local biodiversity.

Local and seasonal foods require fewer resources, support nearby farmers, and keep soils healthier through diverse planting. I will source 4 meals per week from local or seasonal producers—such as markets, CSAs, or co-ops—to strengthen community food resilience.

Composting turns waste into a resource, building soil health and cutting methane emissions from landfills. I will compost food scraps at home, school, or in my community, which avoids sending up to 0.42 lbs (0.19 kg) of food waste to the landfill per day.

Before buying something new, ask yourself: Can I repurpose or repair something? Can I borrow it? Can I go without? The goal isn’t just to consume “better” but to consume less whenever possible. Make more sustainable purchasing choices: - Avoid single-use items, and invest in reusables - Use secondhand first! Reuse and thrift when possible - Invest in high-quality, durable items - Purchase brands that pay fair wages, minimize waste and use ethical sourcing - Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and shipping - Prioritize experiences before objects - Donate usable items that you no longer need