Olivia Fears

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 enjoy a variety of delicious Ghanaian breakfast foods at the Heilman Dining Center from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

I will sign up for the Rethink Waste newsletter to stay engaged with what’s going on with waste on campus.

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.

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.

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

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 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 virtually visit popular wildlife areas and parks in Ghana.

I will attend the International Dinner at Heilman Dining Hall from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

I will learn more about the importance of locally sourced food.

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

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

I will visit a farmers market in the greater Richmond area.

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

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

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

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

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 take a morning walk at Pony Pasture Park at 8:30 a.m. A limited number of rides are available to leave from UR - please register in advance. Anyone is welcome to meet at the Pony Pasture Trailhead at 8:40 a.m.

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 learning about the health benefits that nature provides and ways to increase wellbeing through the outdoors.

I will learn more about beautiful natural landscapes in Ghana.

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

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

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

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

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 go on a walk in the Eco-Corridor with a friend, colleague, or new acquaintance.

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