Willem van der Heever

Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. I will learn about certification labels and buy wood and paper products certified as sustainable or recycled to protect forests and reduce environmental harm.

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend 1 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

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.

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 1 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

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.

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.

Youth voices matter and deserve to be heard. I will spend 10 minutes actively listening to and learning from young people about concerns, ideas, or experiences about environmental issues, either through conversations, speeches, or media.

Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 1 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 10 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

Businesses can play a big role in reducing carbon emissions and it starts with measuring them. I will review the video and infographic provided to learn about the three Scopes of corporate greenhouse gas emissions, and how Donaldson is managing and reducing operational emissions at all our sites. I will think about and share my reduction ideas in the link provided.

As engines that keep all businesses running, employees can be catalysts for more sustainable outcomes at scale. I will spend at least 20 minutes reviewing the action guide specific to my job function (scroll down to the circles in the linked page below) and think about one way I could drive more positive impact in my current job