Happy Monday EcoChallengers!
We hope you had a great start to the challenge. This week, we will be focusing on the theme of cultivating the environment. Below are a couple of things to guide you on the topic.
With the rainy weather this week, it is a great time to set up a rain barrel. Make the most of it and install a rain barrel to reduce runoff from storms. This prevents it from contaminating other bodies of water with fertilizer, soil, oil, and other pesticides. Here is a video to watch to get started.
Take a moment to learn about the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world of a particular habitat or ecosystem. Here are some links to get started, with articles on the basic benefits and impact of biodiversity, native species in our community, and a fun quiz on 16 key questions on the topic. More can be found on our challenges page.
Learn more about planting a tree, or go forth with the effort of planting one! Planting a tree has countless benefits towards our environment, with effects such as absorbing stormwater runoff, preventing sedimentation, and improving water quality. The Free Front Tree Yard Program, started by the Heights Tree People, offers free consulting about planting a tree in your yard. Email Laura Marks for more information.
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Each week, we will ask you to submit a picture of yourself completing a challenge for a chance to be featured on our next newsletter or website! And as usual, here is the link to our website for the entire assortment of our challenges if these ones do not catch your eye.
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News
Feeling down about momentum on environmental progress? Here is a great New York Times Article on Climate Optimism and maintaining hope in a time of climate despair.
If you know anyone that is interested in adapting a more sustainable lifestyle or learning more about our environment, please spread the word about our Shaker EcoChallenge! Registration is open for as long as the challenge lasts (until the 30th). We want to maximize our impact!
Please feel free to reply to this email if you have any questions, use this form to log in your points, and thank you again for signing up to make Northeast Ohio a greener place!
The Shaker Youth LEEDS Team
Sophy Gao
Co-President
