The needs of people differ depending on what country they live in. People who live in rich, successful countries typically get more access to self-care products like birth control pills, protection, and other services. People who live in poor countries, however, don't get many resources and help like those in high-income countries do. Because of this, people in poorer countries have more babies being born, which can lead to economic strain on a family that is already struggling. People can also differ in their genetic makeup. Someone can have negative side effects when taking contraceptives, while others may not.
Ethan Bermudez
"I will do my best to help the world"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 591 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0lightbulbreplaced
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UP TO17minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO22minutesspent exercising
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UP TO1.0donationmade
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UP TO1.0storyshared
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UP TO426minutesspent learning
Ethan's actions
Electricity
Learn More About Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Power
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Smart Seafood Choices
Ocean Farming
I will visit seafoodwatch.org and download the app to commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Electricity
Learn More about Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 13 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Eat Mindfully
Reduced Food Waste
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
Electricity
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn About Aquaculture
Improved Aquaculture
Each day, I will spend at least 44 minutes learning about sustainable aquaculture.
Electricity
Learn More about Micro Wind
Micro Wind Turbines
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.
Electricity
Learn More about Wave and Tidal Energy
Ocean Power
I will spend at least 33 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.
Health and Education
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Family Planning and Education
I will spend at least 35 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
Land Sinks
Forest-Friendly Foods 1
Tropical Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn About Cattle Farming
Improved Cattle Feed; Improved Manure Management
I will spend 48 minutes researching cattle feed and manure management, or visiting a dairy farm to learn about their farming practices.
Industry
Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend 64 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.
Share Your Story
Share Your Aha Moment
Fill out this form and share your Ecochallenge story with us!
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Share to Social Media: Food, Agriculture, Land Use
Food, Agriculture, & Land Use
Through social media (LinkedIn or Instagram), I will share what I've learned about Food, Agriculture, & Land Use and tag Ecochallenge.org.
Industry
Find a Local Climate-Friendly Supermarket
Refrigerant Management
I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 22 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
Land Sinks
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 26 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
Buildings
Donate
Improved Clean Cookstoves
I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 10 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Cook With Seaweed
Seaweed Farming
I will use seaweed in a new recipe.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and EducationWhat did you learn about the need for family planning? How do the needs of different people in different places compare to each other?
Ethan Bermudez 4/30/2025 9:18 PMFamily planning is a necessity to keep our population at a minimum and to let women choose when they want to have babies. Family planning can educate women on how to prevent pregnancies by the use of contraceptives, condoms, or abstinence until they want to have a child. This service can also provide additional support by supporting you individually and letting the community know, so that they can unite. Unwanted pregnancies that result in death or other life-altering disabilities can be easily prevented with the use of family planning. Teen pregnancies can also be avoided with family planning, which is an important thing because most teen pregnancies result in death or deformities.
The needs of people differ depending on what country they live in. People who live in rich, successful countries typically get more access to self-care products like birth control pills, protection, and other services. People who live in poor countries, however, don't get many resources and help like those in high-income countries do. Because of this, people in poorer countries have more babies being born, which can lead to economic strain on a family that is already struggling. People can also differ in their genetic makeup. Someone can have negative side effects when taking contraceptives, while others may not. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricityWhat did you learn about wave and tidal energy? How do they compare to other energy sources?
Ethan Bermudez 4/30/2025 6:20 AMTidal energy is a renewable and sustainable type of energy that is still in its infancy. They are way more predictable than solar and wind energy but are not as popular with only a few implemented in the world. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricityMicro turbines can be placed on large structures to take advantage of stronger, steadier breezes. The Eiffel Tower now sports vertical axis turbines that produce electricity for use on site. Where could micro turbines potentially be installed in your city?
Ethan Bermudez 4/29/2025 9:12 AMMicroturbines can be potentially installed on the tops of high mountains and tall skyscrapers in my city. It could also be installed on top of the city's government buildings because those are very high off the ground.-
Ella Eslamian 4/29/2025 10:02 AMHi Ethan! I really like your idea of installing microturbines on top of skyscrapers and government buildings—it makes a lot of sense since those structures are already so high up and exposed to stronger winds. I didn't even thought about mountains, but that’s a great idea too! It’s cool to think about how we could start using these underutilized spaces to generate renewable energy.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land UseWhat was the most interesting thing to learn about sustainable aquaculture practices?
Ethan Bermudez 4/29/2025 6:07 AMThe most interesting part of sustainable aquaculture practices is the use of fish and how they are domesticated to sustain our needs. The boat used in aquaculture can catch many fish in just one trip, a far cry from what people from the past could accomplish. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricityChanging lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! What's next for you?
Ethan Bermudez 4/28/2025 9:49 PMI am thinking of installing more LED light bulbs around my house however, that can be expensive, so for now, I will mind my energy consumption each day. As well as this, I will make an effort to cook with an open fire as I have a mini fire pit that you can cook food with. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land UseMindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How does your eating experience differ when practicing mindfulness?
Ethan Bermudez 4/27/2025 8:37 PMWhen I practice eating mindfully, I notice that I enjoy the food a bit more than if I were distracted. I also don't forget to eat when I am practicing mindfulness because there is nothing to distract me from my food. Eating mindfully is more peaceful, in my opinion, so I prefer to do it at least 1 time a day. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCoastal, Ocean, and Engineered SinksMany states and countries have advisories on eating fish. Find out what is advised for your region. Do you think your diet choices fall within these guidelines? What steps do you need to take to make sure that they do?
Ethan Bermudez 4/27/2025 8:20 PMFor North Carolina, advisories recommend not eating fish and shellfish in certain locations due to potential mercury in these creatures. Certain species of fish should also be eaten in moderation and with great caution. I personally don't eat fish, for what I can recall, I haven't eaten a fish in at least a year, but when it comes to a time that I do, I can use the app to see if the fish I eat is within the guidelines.-
Prabhakaran Arjunan 4/27/2025 8:37 PM- TEAM CAPTAIN
- 4-DAY STREAK
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REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricityHad you ever heard of biomass technology before you took this challenge? What did you learn that surprised you? Share your new knowledge with your friends!
Ethan Bermudez 4/24/2025 5:53 AMI had known about biomass technology beforehand because my science teacher was really big on finding ways to reduce climate change. I did not know that certain types are plants are better for energy use than others. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportationWhat have you noticed on your daily walks? What have you enjoyed? What infrastructure changes could make your walks more enjoyable or possible?
Ethan Bermudez 4/23/2025 8:29 PMOn my daily walks, I have noticed many animals and plant life out in the park. I enjoy the fresh air and warm temperature that comes from walking on a nice day. Sometimes a pathway can curve around something inconspicuous, so changing that would make my walks more enjoyable. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricityGeothermal energy is reliable, abundant, and efficient. Project Drawdown states that public investment will play a crucial role in its expansion. In what ways (i.e. with money, time, advocacy) can you invest in geothermal energy?
Ethan Bermudez 4/23/2025 6:16 AMI can invest in geothermal energy by advocating online or in person about the benefits and cost-saving properties of these types of systems. I can also personally donate if I have the funds necessary.