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Sairam Vanamali's avatar

Sairam Vanamali

Emerson Community Team

"To indulge, co-exist and be a beacon in conserving and enriching our environment and her resources. "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 656 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    energy audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    2.0
    water collection systems
    installed
  • UP TO
    240
    gallons of water
    saved
  • UP TO
    420
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    20
    more servings
    of fruits and vegetables
  • UP TO
    2.0
    sharing economies
    explored
  • UP TO
    3.0
    ideas
    shared
  • UP TO
    2.0
    community events
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    2.0
    hours
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    30
    minutes
    spent learning

Sairam's actions

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!

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

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!

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

Land, Water, and Air

Reduce Vehicle Idling

Idling cars wastes fuel, contributes to climate change, and pollutes the air in our communities. I will turn off my engine when waiting in my car to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

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. 

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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!

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 60 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Exercise Daily

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 40 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Save Water When Washing Dishes

Dishwashers can save water — if used wisely. I will only run the dishwasher when it’s full and skip the pre-rinse to reduce water and energy use. If I don't have a dishwasher, I will turn off the tap as often as possible while washing dishes.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

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 12
DAILY ACTIONS

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

Community and Connection

Host a Gathering

Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

Community and Connection

Swap and Share with Others

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 2 swaps or sharing activities, like borrowing items, attending or hosting a swap meet, or giving away items I no longer need to support a sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Offer a Skill or Service

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.

COMPLETED
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?

  • 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?

    Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/26/2025 9:54 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    Visited Dhayah fort in Ras Al Khaimah. Its a UNESCO world heritage site ,a very impressive mud fort , serene and majestic symbolizing the architecture of the bronze age. The climb is vide zigzagged stairs and is fairly simply except for the fact that there are no hand rails . You get an amazing view from the top of the oasis and the mountains. Preserving this site as a heritage site , will not only save history but will also help study the ways of our ancestors , the technology used to build and sustain life there, as well as study the culture and military moves.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    How did being mindful of vehicle idling change your perspective on fuel consumption and air quality? What other transportation habits can you adopt to reduce your environmental impact?

    Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/26/2025 9:54 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    Approximate 6 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel is wasted every year on account of idling , translating to approx. $11 billion. Depending less on fuel powered individual transport and shifting to walking , cycling when relevant and feasible, mass transit means ( trains, metros ,buses ) car pooling , and intentional reduction in leisure and business travel could be means of being a more responsible EARTH advocate. Resorting and looking at advanced technologies " to be present " ,videos , hologram projections , quantum teleportation ( in the works ) etc. could be alternate transportation vehicles of the future.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    How did exercising each day impact your physical or mental well-being? What activity did you enjoy most, and why?

    Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/21/2025 12:30 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    I do 20 mins yoga in the morning , to strengthen the spine and leg muscle. This together with controlled breathing helps resonate with nature and the rising sun, and calms you. 50 mins brisk walking in the evening , makes you feel refreshed after a day at work , even after challenging days. Just being in the moment and noticing and enjoying nature, the sound of the birds , the fresh fragrance of Jasmine , the Neem flowers , and nature in general , together with greeting fellow walkers , invigorates the body , helps in digestion and contributes to a good nights slumber.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    How did you participate in the sharing economy? (Consider posting a photo!) What are the benefits of a sharing economy? How could a sharing economy change the dynamics you have with friends, family and/or neighbors?

    Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/18/2025 12:19 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    Recycling, sharing and repairing helps reduce waste , helps reduce energy and helps reducing the carbon footprint.

    Few actions taken -
    1. Repaired and reused 3 sets of footwear.
    2. Garments ordered online shared with 2 friends and 2 family members.
    3. Cut down intentionally on online shopping and shopping in general , segregating needs as - required, not required and absolutely required.
    4. Still using furniture , appliances and electronics 10-15 years old.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    How 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?

    Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/13/2025 11:08 PM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    When you consistently eat green ,you feel light , less lethargic and many being fibrous , is good for your gut .Seaweed is known for being protein rich and many times surpasses meat , as a protein source. More meat = more GHG . My usual bowl consists of Apple, Guava , Papaya , Pineapple , Prunes and dry Fig. Guava is my favorite.

    • Kishor Avhad's avatar
      Kishor Avhad 4/13/2025 11:12 PM
      • Plant-Based Foodie 🥬
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      True, Have seasonal fruits for more benefits.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What did you discover during your energy audit that you weren’t aware of before? What steps will you take to reduce energy use, and how will they benefit both the environment and your household?

    Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/10/2025 5:21 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    Usage of water and electricity in our home seems controlled. That said , realized that at times the exhaust fans are left on , leading to a waste. Have made it a regime to double check the exhausts switches. Have also made sure that internal lighting ( all LED ) is kept to a minimum to where occupied. All outer lights are switched off by 9pm and entertainment sources by 0930pm. Tested for water leaks , and all good. Decided to do similar on a monthly basis. This helps one step in optimizing the grid and conserving .

  • Sairam Vanamali's avatar
    Sairam Vanamali 4/03/2025 12:28 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    We take small actions to enhance our day , week … our life, from eating healthy , getting sufficient sleep , conserving , reducing waste , exercising . And that's great . How consistent we are in this, reflects how deeply we believe , that small steps lead us to bigger landscapes and painting these landscapes with a myriad of colors, including ours, makes our actions count and worthwhile. Joining this challenge helps to give me a nudge, to lead on to more landscapes , as well as learn many more initiatives to make a difference.