Stephanie Soendker

Share your journey and one thing you learn during the Ecochallenge on any platform (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, KohlerNow) using hashtag #KohlerEcochallenge!

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

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.

During the workday, I will schedule time for daily breaks during work days to practice work-life balance.

I will replace 20 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside exercising, enjoying the sunrise/sunset, gardening, journaling, or practicing gratitude for nature.

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.

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.

I will watch 2 documentaries about economy, energy, or industry.

I will have a conversation with one or more nonprofit organizations I want to be involved with.

For an upcoming vacation, I will spend 10 minutes planning out a staycation in my region. For reference, one several hour flight releases the equivalent of nearly 14% of the annual emissions from a car.

I will volunteer 8 hours in my community.

I will spend 10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

I will watch 2 documentaries about climate change.

I will watch 2 documentaries about equity, gender, health, or peace.

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).

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

I will organize a book club to read about climate change and sustainability.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

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

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how lifestyle changes could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment.

I will become a savvy produce shopper when buying organic and non-organic items.

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.