Jesse Rho

In Earth Science this year, we're going to be talking a lot about climate change and the carbon cycle. Take a minute to read the article/video linked below and answer the reflection question.

Climate change is occurring because of a phenomenon that is also a very basic chemical reaction. When fossil fuels burn, carbon dioxide is produced. Usually, this reaction balances out as carbon dioxide is then used during photosynthesis. However, the amount of carbon being produced currently, due to our overuse of fossil fuels, is tipping this delicate balance. We'll talk more about the effects later on...in the meantime let's learn about how to reduce the ways WE start chemical reactions that create carbon. Use the link below to measure your carbon footprint.

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

Visit the link below and read about a common misconception about climate change and Earth's cycles. Answer the reflection question.

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 200 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will take a walk for 5 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will spend at least 3 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will replace 1 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will source 33 percent of my food from local producers each day. This could include signing up for a local CSA, buying from a farmer's market, visiting a food co-op, foraging with a local group, or growing my own ingredients.

I will spend at least 5 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will spend 5 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.

I will spend at least 5 minutes finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by participating in a training, workshop, or presentation.

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

I will spend 6 minutes each day researching businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants that I can support when shopping.

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

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.