Ken Mcdonough

I will spend 10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will plant pollinator-friendly plants in my area to support local pollinators.

Studies show a grass lawn is water intensive and on average it require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. I will do one or more of the following actions in my yard or community to conserve water and improve habitat: plant indigenous plants, landscape with water-efficient plants, add mulching, replace a lawn, and/or use eco-friendly fertilizers.

Each day, I will spend 45 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

I will spend 60 learning about the past and present indigenous communities in my regions and what I can do to be supportive.

I will replace 6 incandescent light bulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will try a new vegan or vegetarian recipe and share how it turns out on the Ecochallenge feed, or with family and friends.

One kilogram of beef and cheese emits 71kg and 24kg of greenhouse gasses, while 1kg of rice, grains, and legumes emits between 2-4kg. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts emit less than 1kg per 1kg. I will reduce my climate impact by enjoying 2 meatless meals and/or 1 vegan meals each day this week.

Join the EcoChallenge event on the Community Champion Portal to track qualifying actions. Select actions are eligible for matching funds going to EcoChallenge. Link provided in the dropdown menu.

I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste.

I will find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.

I will volunteer 4 hours in my community.

I will watch 1 documentaries about food, water, or basic needs.

I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers. Tip: Use a timer to practice or count to 60 a few times.

I will use the communication methods I read about to practice effective, compassionate, and nonviolent communication with someone I interact with regularly (i.e., my roommate, parents, co-worker, partner, classmates, or children).

On average, a tree absorbs 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of carbon dioxide yearly during the first 20 years. To do my part, I will plant 10 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will watch 3 documentaries about climate change.

This goal will allow us to learn more about sustainability, and also donate trees to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Within my community at home or work, I will organize or attend a local cleanup event.