We have to act now!!
Many people think climate change mainly means rising temperatures. However, this is just the beginning.
Climate change can affect various aspects of our lives, including our health, food production, housing, safety, and work. Some of us are already more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The purpose of this challenge is to help you live more sustainably this summer and to reduce your carbon footprint on this planet.
2023 Summer weekly Challenge
Start: June 5 – August 11
Every week you have a challenge. Maybe it’s new to your life, maybe it’s not. Either way, you will be implementing this new challenge into your life.
We will be posting videos and guides to help you on this journey.
* This challenge is meant to push you out of your comfort zone. However, this does not mean you should feel scared or put yourself in danger for any reason. This is meant to be a fun summer activity.
Now your part of this challenge is to actually make these changes and to track them like in a journal. There is a Summer Challenge journal template you can record your observations on and insert pictures. Template: Summer Challenge Journal Template
Have fun!
Week 1: Walking or Biking
The first challenge is to walk more or bike more! Walking and biking can help reduce air pollution, mitigate climate change, physical inactivity, and cost.
Ex: Walk or bike to your school, work, grocery store, or neighbors.
Do this every day or as many times as you can this week. Record your observations. Take pictures!
Week 2: Single-use? Silly goose!
The second challenge is to say goodbye to single-use plastic. There are many ways we can reduce our plastic waste.
Ex: Bring your own tumbler or bottle to Starbucks or Boba shop! Bring your tote bag to grocery stores! Go plogging. Switch materials at home to long-lasting reusables.
Good luck!
Week 3: Water Wars!
The third challenge is to reduce water use.
Ex: Switch your toilet to high-efficiency or use toilet leak tablets.
Shower within a set time goal.
Collect the water that’s just running away from shower and kitchen and use it to the garden.
Good luck!
Week 4: Don’t Need? Donate or repair!
The fourth challenge is to donate what you don’t need. Fast fashion and consumerism lead to the production and disposal of so many clothes and goods. It leads to the rise of greenhouse gas emission.
Instead, find a local facility you can donate your lightly-used or good-condition objects or repair them to reuse.
Ex: Donate your books to your local book store. Donate your clothes. Donate lightly-worn shoes.
Week 5: Clean up, Clean up, everybody clean up!
The fifth challenge is clean up the planet. Our streets and environment are littered by plastic and waste every day.
Fortunately, there is a lot we can do to help.
Join beach clean ups or local park clean ups! Or, you can host your own.
Week 6: Food Choices, Eat more vegetables!
The sixth challenge is make better food choices. Eat more vegetables!vv
There are certain foods that have higher carbon footprints than others. Agriculture is the single largest source of methane emissions in the Untied States and the second largest source for green houses gas emissions after fossil fuels. You’ve probably often heard to reduce your meat intake as well. That’s because a hamburger is less sustainable than a salad.
So what can you do?
Food choices are something you can make on a daily basis.
Click the button below to find out more.
Week 7: Reduce air conditioner use!
It is going to be the most challenging week during summer.
Three-quarters of all homes in the United States have air conditioners. Air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners. As a result, roughly 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are released into the air each year.
Let’s save the world together!
Week 8: Recycle or Trash?
The eight challenge is dispose your waste properly!
We often do what is called aspirational recycling or wishful recycling.
Check our our guides to see what is recyclable, what is trash, and what is compost!
Week 9: Chill and Learn
Week 9 challenge is rewarding and worthwhile!
Look at our list of recommended movies and documentaries about our planet!