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Welcome to Drawdown EcoChallenge!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Drawdown EcoChallenge expert in no time!

Ecochallenge.org and Project Drawdown
Drawdown EcoChallenge
April 4 - April 25, 2018
Benjamin Suchy's avatar

Benjamin Suchy

Go eQo

"I want to actually follow through on changes I know I should be making."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 139 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    person
    helped

Benjamin's actions

Women and Girls

Give a Microloan

#62 Women Smallholders

I will give 1 microloan(s) to women who need help starting a business.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

#3 Reduced Food Waste

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Keep Track of Wasted Food

#3 Reduced Food Waste

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.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Electricity Generation

Choose Renewable Energy or Purchase Renewable Energy Credits

#2 Wind Turbines (Onshore), #8 Solar Farms

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings and Cities

Replace Manual Thermostats

#57 Smart Thermostats

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Materials

Install a Toilet Bank

#46 Water Saving - Home

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water per day by installing a toilet tank bank.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity Generation

Watch a Video about Methane Digesters

#30 Methane Digesters (large), #64 Methane Digesters (small)

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

UNCOMPLETED
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?

  • Benjamin Suchy's avatar
    Benjamin Suchy 4/05/2018 7:20 AM
    Brought reusable silverware and paper towels into work today!
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Women and Girls Give a Microloan
    Globally, women typically invest a higher proportion of their earnings in their families and communities than men. Why do you think that is?
    Benjamin Suchy's avatar
    Benjamin Suchy 4/05/2018 7:17 AM
    "Globally, women typically invest a higher proportion of their earnings in their families and communities than men. Why do you think that is?"

    I'm sure it's different for every person, but if women make less than men globally and the cost of supporting their families is relatively similar, it would follow that a higher proportion of women's earning would need to be allocated to familial support.
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food Keep Track of Wasted Food
    An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Where would you rather use this money?
    Benjamin Suchy's avatar
    Benjamin Suchy 4/04/2018 9:09 PM
    "An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Where would you rather use this money?"

    Saving up for a new car
    Read More
  • Benjamin Suchy's avatar
    Benjamin Suchy 4/04/2018 10:08 AM
    All this eco-talk reminded me of something I did last week that might end up making a big difference in the amount of waste I create.

    I have a paper towel roll at home in the kitchen. During cooking or eating, I generally use a few paper towels to wipe my hands, counters, etc., but I've always felt bad about all the paper towels I go through. I've thought a few times that I should use small towels or washcloths instead, but something about using a whole washcloth as a napkin always felt weird. Then, about a week ago, I saw these reusable cloths at HEB. They're really cheap, feel pretty much like paper towels, and are reusable. Washed them this weekend and they're ready to use again in my kitchen this week! Definitely recommend them to anyone struggling to get off paper towels.

    Now that I mention it, I should probably get a set to use in the office, too...
    Read More
    • Benjamin Suchy's avatar
      Benjamin Suchy 4/04/2018 12:28 PM
      Silverware and dishes are a great idea, too! I avoided using a paper plate today by using my tupperware to eat from, but having my own plate will be better.
      Read More
    • Missy Lucas's avatar
      Missy Lucas 4/04/2018 12:00 PM
      Those cloths look neat!  I find it convenient to keep a dish towel and cloth napkin at the office, and just switch them out for clean ones from home every so often.  I've also been inspired by people like Annie who keep regular silverware in their desk cabinets, which is both convenient and eco-friendly!
      Read More
    • Annie Sanna's avatar
      Annie Sanna 4/04/2018 10:50 AM
      Great idea!  Missy has her own dish towel that she uses to dry her dishes.  I've been meaning to bring my own as well since I have a lot of towels at home.
      Read More
  • Benjamin Suchy's avatar
    Benjamin Suchy 4/04/2018 7:02 AM
    Signed up for a few challenges I think I can accomplish during the next few weeks. I've been meaning to install my Nest thermostat and change my energy provider to renewable resources anyways. This challenge will be the kick in the pants to actually get it done.
    Read More