Diana Youngblood

Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.

Schools play a crucial role in youth development and be hubs for sustainability. I will donate funds, time, or supplies to 1 local schools to support environmental education, field trips, sustainability projects, and youth empowerment. I will share how I supported schools 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 60 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 3 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 60 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

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.

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.

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 45 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

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.

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

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 1 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 120 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

Decluttering can reduce stress and benefit others. I will declutter my home and donate items I no longer need to support others in my community.

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 30 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

Learning by doing empowers youth. I will conduct an environmental audit — such as a home energy or waste audit — alongside a young person to teach them practical sustainability skills and see what I learn from them as well.