Shijumon Viswambharan

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.

Convert a small outdoor or balcony space into a pollinator-friendly habitat using native plants, wildflowers, and zero pesticides. Use organic compost and recycled materials for planters. To enhance urban biodiversity, support local pollinator species (bees, butterflies). We chose this action as Pollinator decline directly threatens global food systems and biodiversity. This micro-intervention empowers individuals to restore ecological services in their immediate environment while fostering environmental stewardship.

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 2 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

Landscaping with native plants, gardening, and having plants inside can have benefits for nature and our health. I will plant or adopt a new plant or grow one from seeds and post a photo of it to the feed.

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.

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.

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-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.

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.

Sustainable investments shape a greener future. I will research and invest in companies, funds, or projects that supports sustainability, such as renewable energy, green tech, or sustainable practices. I will share more about who I supported with others on social media or in the Ecochallenge feed.

Learn about sustainability by taking two Green Pill modules on Emerson Learn. Choose the topics that appeal to you most!

Our food choices can help protect forests and wildlife. I will spend 10 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.

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.

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.

The impacts of our waste are far reaching. I will create zero waste for an entire day and share my reflections and learnings on the feed.

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.

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 5 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

Small contributions can drive big ideas. I will support a crowdfunded sustainability project to help bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to life and share the project on social media or on the Ecochallenge feed.

Convert a small outdoor or balcony space into a pollinator-friendly habitat using native plants, wildflowers, and zero pesticides. Use organic compost and recycled materials for planters. To enhance urban biodiversity, support local pollinator species (bees, butterflies). We chose this action as Pollinator decline directly threatens global food systems and biodiversity. This micro-intervention empowers individuals to restore ecological services in their immediate environment while fostering environmental stewardship.

Set up a basic greywater reuse system (e.g., from showers or laundry) to irrigate garden plants or flush toilets. Ensure use of biodegradable detergents and proper filtration to avoid soil contamination. To reduce freshwater use and demonstrate sustainable closed-loop water systems at a household level. Water scarcity is exacerbated by linear water systems. By reusing household water, I align with principles of integrated water resource management and minimize personal water footprint.

Align your indoor lighting use with natural circadian rhythms by: Using natural daylight during the day (open windows, work near sunlit spaces). Switching to warm, low-intensity lighting (≤2700K) post-sunset. Avoiding bright LED screens at least 1 hour before bed. Opting for task lighting over full room lighting to conserve energy. This action integrates chronobiology, energy efficiency, and light ecology to promote both personal and planetary well-being. To restore healthy sleep cycles, improve melatonin production, and reduce electricity consumption, especially during evening peak hours. Rebalance the sleep-wake cycle disrupted by artificial light. Reduce exposure to blue light, a known circadian disruptor. Minimize carbon-intensive electricity use at night.

Designate a consistent one-hour window each day (e.g., early morning, during lunch, or before bedtime) to completely disconnect from digital devices—including smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and even passive scrolling. This time is used for reflection, analog creativity (e.g., journaling, sketching), reading physical books, or mindful breathing practices. This action supports cognitive decluttering, enhances attentional control, and reduces energy demand associated with device use. To recalibrate cognitive bandwidth, reduce information fatigue, and foster intentional presence while conserving electricity and reducing reliance on high-energy cloud computing and digital infrastructure. Mitigate symptoms of digital burnout, screen addiction, and anxiety. Reinforce neuroplasticity through analog engagement. Lower personal energy footprint from digital devices and Wi-Fi usage.

Commit to a 30-day car-free challenge, replacing car travel with walking, cycling, or public transit. When necessary, use carpooling or shared mobility apps. To cut transport-related carbon emissions and raise awareness of the personal and public health co-benefits of reduced vehicular pollution. Transport accounts for ~24% of global CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2023). Urban air quality is deeply linked to mobility choices. This challenge promotes climate-conscious mobility and improves cardiovascular health through active transport.