David Donaldson

I will join the Rethink Waste 101 Zoom from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. to learn more about the culture of waste management and reuse in Ghana and to learn how we sort our waste at the University of Richmond.

I will learn about how e-waste has a negative impact on the environment and human health in Ghana.

Watch the short video on how to properly sort your waste.

Today or each morning, I will bring my own mug to the Forum from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. to fill up my cup with a Ghanaian favorite, Milo, a chocolatey warm drink. We will also have hot coffee if you like to start your morning with a cup of joe. You must bring your own mug or a reusable cup to get points for this action. On Thursday, we will be located at the Gottwald Auditorium in alignment with the Ghanaian guest speaker.

I will visit the on-campus "free store", known as the Spider Exchange, to donate unneeded items or "shop" for free from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Spider Exchange is located at 24D New Fraternity Row. Today, we will be playing Ghanaian music while you browse the shop!

From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., I will participate in a sorting event on the Forum to better understand consumer habits.

I will visit a local refill store to fill up on bulk items and reduce the purchasing of plastic. Refill shops not only allow you to refill containers instead of buying new, but they also carry numerous plastic-free swaps for many of the single-use items available at traditional retailers.

I will take the waste quiz to ensure I know what is compostable, recyclable, and what goes to the landfill.

Take a photo of yourself from either the Sorting Event, the Milo refill station, or your visit to the Spider Exchange, and send it to [email protected]. If you submit each day, send a different photo. These photos may be used by the Rethink Waste team.

Today from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., I will remove trash and help to beautify Westhampton Lake for the health of this ecosystem and the health of our watershed at large. Register using the link, and meet at the Westhampton Lake Gazebo.

I will learn more about the traditional practices of land care and management.

I will virtually visit popular wildlife areas and parks in Ghana.

I will learn about the importance of building community and what building community could look like through a sustainability lens.

I will read about the Stop Galamsey Movement in Ghana and how individuals engage in environmental activism.

I will volunteer in the Eco-Corridor from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. to help remove invasive species and tend to native plants.

I will spend 30 minutes today learning about the history of our local communities in the Greater Richmond area.

I will spend 30 minutes each day practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth, nature, and community surrounding me.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 30 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators.

As an expression of gratitude, share a snack with a roommate, bring in baked goods to your workspace, gift a flower from your garden, give a friend a book to read, or find another thoughtful way to express care to your community (roommates, class, colleagues, neighbors, etc.).

I will expand and broaden my community by attending one event or social gathering in the Richmond area.

I will attend a Forest Therapy Walk from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Please register in advance.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the health benefits that nature provides and ways to increase wellbeing through the outdoors.

I will learn about the Rights of Nature Movement in Ghana.

I will learn more about beautiful natural landscapes in Ghana.

Offer a friend a plant, propagation, or fresh produce from your garden!

I will learn more about the history of the James River in Richmond and restoration plans for waterways in Ghana, including the Korle Lagoon, and what efforts are being done today to protect these waters.

I will attend the International Education Week Fair: Ghana at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Alice Haynes Room, THC, to engage with visiting speakers and others presenting their work and engagement with Ghana.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the benefits of bus rapid transit.

I will attend the Global Engagement Lecture "Ghana to the World: Challenging African Stereotypes One Story at a Time" from Dr. Wunpini Mohammed at 12:00 p.m. in the International Commons.

Today, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., I will attend a tour of Abby's Garden and the UR Orchard & Food Forest, and learn more about what is being harvested at this time of year.

I will learn more about the Farm Bill and how it impacts public health and public lands.

I will try a new Ghanaian recipe while trying to use in-season, local produce.

I will attend the lecture from Gideon Sarpong on "Reporting on Climate Change in Ghana and Africa" from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. at the Gottwald Auditorium.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the footprint of my food choices.

I will dive deeper into waste challenges in Ghana and how this relates to our waste here at University of Richmond.

I will take a photo of a native plant and upload it to the Feed.

I will learn about how conservation practices are enacted in Ghana, and I will read about the organizations protecting this land.

I will learn how chocolate farming in Ghana and West Africa impacts our environment and communities.

I will draw, paint, or create a piece of art while being outdoors.

I will share a photo of something I've drawn, painted, or created while being outdoors to the Feed on the Ecochallenge website.

I will learn more about sustainable farming practices in Virginia and around the country.