Ecochallenge.org

Drawdown Ecochallenge

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102)

YCP Fall 2024

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
598 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1,080

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

1.0

donation

made
UP TO

10

women, BIPOC, and immigrant-owned businesses

supported
UP TO

35

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

190

minutes

spent learning

Ivette 's actions

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

Reduced Food Waste

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

Tropical Forest Restoration

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Test Drive an Electric Bike

Electric Bicycles

I will test drive an electric bike at a local distributor to see if it makes sense to use one in place of my car, or to extend the area I can cover by bike.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Support Businesses Owned by Women, POC, or Immigrants

Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders

I will spend 20 minutes researching and shopping from 4 businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Fix Leaky Faucets

Low-Flow Fixtures

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Research Heat Pumps

High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Visit the Coast

Macroalgae Protection and Restoration

I will visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and look for the presence of macroalgae/seaweed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion

Multiple Industry Solutions

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin practicing it in my own life.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Forest-Friendly Foods 2

Tropical Forest Restoration

I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Industry

Plastics Audit

Reduced Plastics

I will complete a plastics audit to see where plastics show up in my life and determine how I can reduce the use of single-use plastics.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Industry

Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants

Refrigerant Management

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Fund Family Planning

Family Planning and Education

I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Plan to Insulate

Insulation

I will spend 30 minutes finding out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants

What did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/25/2024 8:51 AM

Air conditioning systems are widely used in cars, airplanes, refrigeration units, and many other appliances, leading to constant emissions being released into the atmosphere. Refrigerants can be categorized based on their environmental impact: some are harmful to the ozone layer, while others have a high global warming potential and significantly contribute to climate change. There are also moderately harmful refrigerants that pose risks, as well as natural refrigerants that are generally better for the environment. Emissions from refrigerants can occur during production, through leaks, or when appliances are improperly disposed of. For instance, refrigeration systems in U.S. supermarkets frequently experience leaks, which can result in emissions equivalent to burning 65 billion tons of coal, causing serious harm to the planet

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Forest-Friendly Foods 2

How difficult or easy was it to change your diet?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/24/2024 11:57 AM

Changing one’s diet to avoid products linked to deforestation can seem challenging, especially since many of our food choices—such as coffee, cacao, and meat—contribute to this issue. Organizations like the Rainforest Alliance focus on the problems caused by deforestation, highlighting the impact of land conversion on wildlife and ecosystems.The Rainforest Alliance makes it easier to identify companies that prioritize sustainable practices and do not contribute to deforestation. By choosing their products, consumers can support alternatives that are better for the environment. This helps one to not completely alter their diet but only make small changes in our dietary choices can lead to a significant positive impact on our planet.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry Plastics Audit

What was the hardest item to reduce using or cut out that is plastic? Did you find a way to do it?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/24/2024 11:44 AM

The hardest item to cut out is non-durable plastic, particularly single-use plastics, which account for 64% of all products produced. These include packaging and household items, making them pervasive in our daily lives and challenging to avoid. The widespread use of plastic contributes to waste that is harmful to both the environment and the economy. Producing these items requires significant energy, resulting in substantial carbon dioxide emissions, approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing plastic use by even 30-60% can have a meaningful impact. There are many ways individuals can cut down on plastic usage, starting with small changes like using paper or reusable bags. Shopping at farmer’s markets, where produce is often unpackaged, and there are so many more options.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion

How can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/23/2024 2:24 PM

I enjoy thrifting because it’s a sustainable way to recycle materials and give them a second life. I often upcycle clothing, which means I creatively alter items to fit my style. This allows me to create unique pieces that aren’t found in stores. By choosing to upcycle, I reduce my dependence on fast fashion, which is responsible for significant environmental damage. The fast fashion industry produces clothing at an alarming rate, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, while a large portion of these garments ends up in landfills, creating excess waste that negatively impacts our planet.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Forest-Friendly Foods 1

How is your diet currently impacting deforestation? What can you do to decrease your negative impact and increase your positive impact?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/22/2024 9:38 AM

Many of our favorite foods contribute to deforestation, including palm oil, coffee, cacao, and the trio of meat, dairy, and eggs. The high demand for these products drives producers to clear vast areas of forest to increase efficiency and yield. Palm oil alone is found in about 50% of consumer goods, while coffee cultivation requires significant land—three cups of coffee necessitate the growth of 18 coffee trees. Cacao also demands extensive land use, and the production of meat, dairy, and eggs relies on ingredients linked to deforestation. Fortunately, organizations like the Rainforest Alliance are working to combat these issues by certifying products with their green frog seal, indicating sustainable practices such as shade-grown methods. Rather than completely eliminating these foods from our diets, we can seek out alternatives or choose products that support sustainable agriculture.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings Research Heat Pumps

Why is taking action on climate change important to you? Why do you care?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/21/2024 1:59 PM

We constantly consume energy, but there are effective ways to reduce our usage. One option is low-flow appliances, which help save water and energy. Another excellent choice is heat pumps. These devices extract heat from indoors to cool your home, minimizing fuel consumption and lowering electricity costs for both heating and cooling. This issue is important to me because I strive to save money while also caring for our planet. With the clear evidence of climate change, I’m dedicated to finding solutions that protect our environment. Every little bit helps, and I’m committed to doing my part.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings Fix Leaky Faucets

What are other easy and low-cost ways to reduce your water usage at home?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/20/2024 6:24 PM

A significant amount of energy is consumed and wasted due to the interplay between air and water energy use. One of the primary contributors to this energy waste is hot water, which accounts for approximately 25% of household energy consumption worldwide. This is particularly concerning given the constant high demand for hot water in everyday activities such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. To tackle this issue and promote energy efficiency, low-flow fixtures have been introduced. These fixtures, which include faucets, showerheads, and appliances like washing machines, are engineered to use significantly less water without compromising performance. By reducing water flow, we can lower the amount of hot water needed, ultimately leading to decreased energy consumption and lower utility bills. Implementing low-flow fixtures not only helps in conserving water but also plays a crucial role in minimizing energy waste, contributing to a more sustainable household and environment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transportation Test Drive an Electric Bike

Half of all trips made in the US are three miles or less; 72% of them are driven. Private vehicles account for 60% of trips of a mile or less. Do you often drive short distances instead of biking or walking? If so, how might incorporating an electric bike into your lifestyle help you make more climate-friendly choices?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/19/2024 10:51 AM

I often find myself opting for a car instead of walking or riding an electric bicycle for short distances, even though I live conveniently close to many businesses. While the convenience and time savings of driving make it an appealing choice, relying on a car consistently is not beneficial for my overall health. For people who struggle to find time for fitness, incorporating physical activity into their daily routines can serve as a valuable alternative. For instance, studies have shown that riding electric bicycles can provide a healthy form of exercise, particularly when done over longer distances. This not only helps to improve physical fitness but also promotes a more active lifestyle, making it a win-win for both convenience and health.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health and Education Support Businesses Owned by Women, POC, or Immigrants

Which businesses that you researched are you excited to support? Are you already supporting businesses that you didn't know were owned by women, people of color, or immigrants?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/18/2024 6:52 PM

I was already familiar with Poo-Pourri and was genuinely thrilled to discover that it is a woman-owned brand. The product not only effectively prevents odors from bowel movements but does so without the use of harmful chemicals, showcasing a commitment to both quality and safety. This revelation highlights the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs in the luxury market, where many outstanding products are emerging from female-led companies. It’s inspiring to see how these brands are redefining norms and contributing positively to consumer choices.

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- Monica Amador 10/18/2024 7:36 PM
  
  I had no idea Poo-Pourri was a woman-owned business; that is so neat.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings Plan to Insulate

What are some of the benefits of making your home more energy efficient?

Ivette Hernandez-Noyola (102) 10/17/2024 3:34 PM

Insulation represents a vital approach for employing eco-friendly materials to effectively reduce energy consumption in both heating and cooling systems. By enhancing thermal resistance, insulation helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, ensuring that living and working spaces remain comfortable year-round. This improved temperature regulation significantly reduces the demand on heating and cooling systems, thereby minimizing energy usage. In addition to its environmental benefits, the implementation of high quality insulation can lead to substantial financial savings over time. By lowering energy bills associated with heating and cooling, property owners can recover their initial investment in insulation materials while contributing to a more sustainable future. Overall, effective insulation not only fosters energy efficiency but also aligns with contemporary goals for environmental stewardship and cost effectiveness.

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