

Donald Sebastian
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 646 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0energy auditconducted
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UP TO1.0carbon footprintcalculated
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UP TO461minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO1.0water collection systeminstalled
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UP TO1.0water footprintcalculated
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UP TO79more servingsof fruits and vegetables
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UP TO1,150minutesof additional sleep
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UP TO703minutesspent exercising
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UP TO1.0productreplaced with sustainable alternatives
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UP TO3.0community eventshosted or attended
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UP TO34public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO13minutesspent learning
Donald's actions
Health and Well-Being
Audit Toxic Products in my Home
Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 2 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.
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.
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 10 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
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.
Health and Well-Being
Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns
Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 2 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.
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.
Land, Water, and Air
Learn About Water Justice
Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 5 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.
Share My Why
Take the Earth Month Ecochallenge Feedback Survey
I will take a short survey about my experience to help the Ecochallenge team improve future events, earn a chance to win a prize, and earn 15 points!
Land, Water, and Air
Collect Rain Water
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.
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.
Share My Why
Share My Why
I will share my Ecochallenge story and why I'm taking action for the planet — and earn 15 points!
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.
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.
Empowering the Next Generation
Host a Bio-blitz
A bio-blitz helps youth engage with local biodiversity. I will organize or participate in a bio-blitz with young people to identify and document the plants, animals, and insects in our area.
Health and Well-Being
Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep
Good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. I will prioritize getting 30 minutes of quality sleep each night and develop a bedtime routine that supports rest and relaxation.
Health and Well-Being
Enjoy Fruits and Veggies
Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 2 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.
Health and Well-Being
Meditate
Meditation helps build resilience and clarity. I will spend 10 minutes each day to meditate or create a moment of silence each day to reflect on things important to me.
Health and Well-Being
Exercise Daily
Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 15 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.
Land, Water, and Air
Join a Cleanup Effort
Working together to clean up public spaces helps the environment and builds community. I will participate in 1 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.
Community and Connection
Become a Sustainability Aficionado or Invite a Colleague!
Become a Sustainability Aficionado or invite one of your colleagues to join if you're already tuned into the program.
Community and Connection
Join your local Green Team or participate in an Earth Month activity organized by them
Get involved! Join your local Green Team to connect and work on local sustainability initiatives. Or, participate in one of the many Earth Month activities they've organized.
Land, Water, and Air
Begin a meeting with a “Sustainability Moment”
Kick off your meetings with a "Sustainability Moment" to keep environmental awareness top of mind. Even better, develop new "Sustainability Moments" tailored to your specific location and work, making the connection between sustainability and your daily activities even stronger!
Land, Water, and Air
Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative
Learn about our new Sustainability Pathways initiative and implement 1 action under each of the pillars from the most appropriate persona.
Sustainable Innovation
Take the Green Pill Trainings on Emerson Learn
Learn about sustainability by taking two Green Pill modules on Emerson Learn. Choose the topics that appeal to you most!
Land, Water, and Air
Advocate for Wetlands and the Ocean
Wetlands provide critical habitat and protect against flooding. I will write 10 letters or emails per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirWhat did you learn about the importance of wetlands and oceans while advocating for their protection? How do you think your actions could contribute to positive change for these ecosystems?
Donald Sebastian 4/29/2025 10:02 PMAdvocating for the protection of wetlands and oceans has helped me understand how vital these ecosystems are to the health of our planet. Wetlands act as natural water filters, trapping pollutants and improving water quality. They also serve as buffers against floods and storms by absorbing excess rainwater. Additionally, wetlands store carbon, which helps reduce the effects of climate change. Oceans, on the other hand, regulate Earth’s climate by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide. They also produce more than half of the oxygen we breathe. Oceans support millions of species and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people. Sadly, both wetlands and oceans face serious threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and global warming.Through advocacy, I learned that raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools for change. Educating others about the importance of these ecosystems can inspire them to take action. Even small steps, like reducing plastic use or supporting sustainable seafood, can contribute to a healthier environment. Participating in clean-up efforts or wetland restoration projects also makes a real difference. I’ve seen how community action can influence policy and encourage leaders to support environmental protection. Advocacy also strengthens my connection to nature and my responsibility to protect it. It gives a voice to ecosystems that cannot speak for themselves. I believe my actions can help spark a chain reaction of positive change. By influencing others, we can build a stronger movement for conservation. Supporting environmental organizations and voting for eco-friendly policies are powerful ways to drive systemic change. In the end, protecting wetlands and oceans is not just about saving nature—it’s about securing our own future as well -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirWhere in your life do you emit the most carbon? What change are you willing to make in your daily life to reduce this output?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 3:37 AMI emit the most carbon through my car usage, especially for short trips. To reduce this, I've started walking for shorter distances instead of driving. This small change not only lowers my carbon footprint but also helps me stay active and enjoy the environment around me. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Well-BeingWhat product did you replace, and why was it important to you? How do you feel about making a small change for a healthier, more sustainable home?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 3:31 AMI replaced porota with chapathi because I wanted to make a healthier choice for my diet. Chapathi is lighter and made with whole wheat, which is better for my digestion and overall health. Making this small change feels good because it’s a simple way to create a more sustainable, healthier home while still enjoying the food I love. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Well-BeingConsider how many hours of sleep you get now. How would you like to shift your sleep patterns? What changes did you make to improve your sleep, and how did they affect your day?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 3:27 AMI currently aim for 8 hours of sleep each night, and I've made some changes to improve my sleep patterns, like stopping naps and having dinner earlier. These changes have helped me feel more rested and energized throughout the day. Now, I wake up feeling more refreshed and find that I'm able to stay focused and productive without the midday slump. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Well-BeingHow did exercising each day impact your physical or mental well-being? What activity did you enjoy most, and why?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 3:23 AMExercising each day has had a positive impact on both my physical and mental well-being, leaving me feeling more energized and less stressed. I especially enjoyed jogging, as it allowed me to clear my mind and enjoy some fresh air while getting a great workout. It became a peaceful routine that not only improved my fitness but also helped me feel more balanced and focused throughout the day. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand, Water, and AirWhat was the most unexpected piece of trash that was picked up during your local cleanup effort? How does working with others to clean up your community make you feel?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 3:08 AMThe most unexpected piece of trash we picked up during the cleanup was a large number of plastic bottle caps scattered all over the area. It was surprising how something so small could be so widespread and harmful to the environment. Working with others to clean up made me feel proud and connected to my community, knowing we were making a positive difference together. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Well-BeingHow does eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat positively affect yourself, other people, and our planet? What fruits or vegetables did you try this week, and which was your favorite?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 3:02 AMEating more fruits and vegetables and less meat helps me feel healthier and supports a more sustainable planet by reducing environmental impact. This week, I ate apples, oranges, and grapes—grapes were my favorite because they were sweet and easy to eat. It feels good knowing that my food choices can benefit both myself and others. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Well-BeingWhat did you notice about your thoughts or emotions during or after meditation? Did you find it easy or challenging to meditate?
Donald Sebastian 4/28/2025 2:59 AMAt first, I found meditation challenging because my mind kept wandering and I struggled to stay focused. It was frustrating to sit still and quiet my thoughts, and I often doubted whether I was doing it correctly. Over time, though, it became easier, and now I feel more at ease and notice a sense of calm and clarity after each session.