EcoChallenge.org

Drawdown EcoChallenge

April 3 - April 24, 2019

Amber Nobe

Hennebery Eddy Architects

"I am participating to learn more about specific ways we can reduce carbon while also bettering our global community"

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
580 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

390

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

1.0

public official or leader

contacted

Amber's actions

Materials

Research Cement Alternatives

#36 Alternative Cement

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

#3 Reduced Food Waste

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Use

Learn about Temperate Forests

#12 Temperate Forests

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity Generation

Learn More about Micro Wind

#76 Micro Wind

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of Micro Wind.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity Generation

Learn More about Wave and Tidal Energy

#29 Wave and Tidal

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings and Cities

Research Retrofitting Incentives

#80 Retrofitting

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Social Justice

Express My Support

#54 Walkable Cities

I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact neighborhood walkability and express my support for better walking infrastructure.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Use

Research Peatlands

#13 Peatlands

I will spend 60 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Materials

Mulch the Base of Trees and Plants

#46 Water Saving - Home

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings and Cities

Tour a Green Roof

#73 Green Roofs

I will set up a visit to tour a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

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?

Amber Nobe 4/23/2019 8:42 AM

I didn't get around to mulching the yard yet — it's been too wet outside! — but it's still on my list, and the forecast is looking up. PBOT is giving away free compost this week at its facility in NE Portland. I'm hoping there will be some left this weekend, and the forecast holds, so I can finally cross this task off the list. Mulching is good for your plants and prevents runoff, so it's a win-win!

Read More
- Ashley Nored 4/23/2019 2:23 PM
  
  Free compost, woohoo! A wise person once told me, "Just say no to peat moss."
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Action Track: Social Justice Express My Support

How could better walking infrastructure make your city both more enjoyable and more equitable?

Amber Nobe 4/22/2019 2:39 PM

Q: How could better walking infrastructure make your city both more enjoyable and more equitable? A: I live in a neighborhood with many streets that are unpaved and/or missing sidewalks (with potholes galore). Though it is not a mobility issue for me personally, I often think of who is discouraged from walking to the park, school, shops, etc., by these conditions. Less car traffic and more foot traffic would certainly make Montavilla feel more like a neighborhood and less like a place to pass through.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use Learn about Temperate Forests

As you learn more about the scope and seriousness of the environmental challenges we face, what impact does that have on your thinking and actions? What are the parts that feel overwhelming? What parts help you feel hopeful?

Amber Nobe 4/22/2019 2:34 PM

Q: As you learn more about the scope and seriousness of the environmental challenges we face, what impact does that have on your thinking and actions? What are the parts that feel overwhelming? What parts help you feel hopeful? A: It becomes more and more clear that action at the state, national, and international level is imperative — legislation and climate agreements are absolutely necessary to protect our planet.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?

Amber Nobe 4/22/2019 2:33 PM

Q: How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions? A: If an item is past its "sell by" date, that does not mean it has gone bad. Knowing the terms and the reasoning behind them can help keep you from throwing out food that is still good and safe to eat.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Generation Learn More about Micro Wind

Micro turbines can be placed on large structures to take advantage of stronger, steadier breezes. The Eiffel Tower now sports vertical axis turbines that produce electricity for use on site. Where could micro turbines potentially be installed in your city?

Amber Nobe 4/22/2019 2:32 PM

Q: Micro turbines can be placed on large structures to take advantage of stronger, steadier breezes. Where could micro turbines potentially be installed in your city? A: I'm not sure that microwind is the best option for Portland structures, as we do't have a lot of tall towers or steady winds. Solar panels is a better bet for our region. Microwind may be better for places like Eastern Oregon or the Gorge

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Generation Learn More about Wave and Tidal Energy

What did you learn about wave and tidal energy? Were you surprised by the information you found?

Amber Nobe 4/22/2019 2:30 PM

Q: How can you share what you have learned in your research with others? A: There is a lot of potential for wave/tidal energy off the coast of Oregon, but there are also a lot of risks and potential for unintended consequences. More research is needed to make sure this powerful, renewable energy source is tapped in a way that doesn't have a negative effect on ecosystems and economies.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings and Cities Research Retrofitting Incentives

How can you share what you have learned in your research with others?

Amber Nobe 4/22/2019 2:28 PM

Q: How can you share what you have learned in your research with others? A: Tell everyone about the many incentives offered through the Energy Trust of Oregon — it's a great resource for both residential homeowners and commercial buildings owners and designers!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use Research Peatlands

Much of Indonesia's peatlands have been drained so they could be replaced with palm oil or pulp and paper plantations. How can you make choices that help to protect peatlands, even if you live far away from one?

Amber Nobe 4/18/2019 11:28 AM

Q: How can you make choices that help to protect peatlands? A: Look for products that contain sustainably harvested palm oil, and use peat-free products for your garden. This will help reduce demand for peatland drainage, deforestation, and mass commercial extraction.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings and Cities Tour a Green Roof

What did you learn on your green roof tour?

Amber Nobe 4/12/2019 4:41 PM

Q: What did you learn on your ecoroof tour? A: Last year the City of Portland instituted the strictest ecoroof policy in North America. It applies to new buildings 20,000SF or larger in the central city. The policy requires 100% roof coverage, And that does not include PV (solar panels). However, PV can be put on top of the green roof, and it actually makes the ecoroof more effective.

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Amber Nobe 3/22/2019 2:08 PM

We've got big plans for the Drawdown EcoChallenge — including a green roof tour! Check your inbox for details, and be sure to select the challenge if you plan to attend.

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