Berkeley Challenge

SustainLane’s Local Action Challenge is a way for you to make a difference in Berkeley, and win prizes doing it! As world leaders prepare to hammer out a new climate treaty at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December, the Hopenhagen movement inspires local, on-the-ground action in the US. Take the Local Action Challenge for Berkeley, and win prizes every week!

Each point you earn is an entry into that week's drawing for prizes from green business sponsors. Earn points by completing challenges from your city's list.

Here’s how to play:
1. Choose a challenge.
2. Take a photo of yourself completing the challenge.
3. Upload it.
4. Win a prize.
5. Repeat.

Step 1: Choose a Challenge

This list was submitted by your city’s mayor and/or office of sustainability.

Lose 2,000 Pounds

Set the thermostat 2 degrees lower in the winter while also sealing the leaks in your home to save one ton of carbon emissions yearly. (Take a pic of yourself at the thermostat, or wearing a sweater to keep warm indoors…) Read More »

Travel Smart

Take alternative modes of transit (i.e., public transit, walk, bike, carpool) at least twice per week. (Take a photo of yourself in transit). Read More »

Light Right

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones that use 60% less energy. And make sure you dispose of your bulbs properly! Read More »

Pull the Plug

Disconnect electronic devices that are not in use (i.e., use a power strip for vampire plugs). Passive usage now accounts for 10% of all home energy use. (Take a pic pullin’ the plug!) Read More »

Go 'Paperless' in the Office and at Home

Reduce your personal paper consumption and your clutter by paying your bills online and ordering online banking statements. (Take a photo of yourself online!) Read More »

Turn off the Tap

Capture your shower water in a bucket while waiting for the water to heat up and use this water to irrigate your garden. 20% of electricity and 30% of natural gas in California is used just to transport, treat and heat water and wastewater. Read More »

Take the Oil Out of Your Food

Buy more local groceries and products instead of items that must be transported long distance. Check out Buy Local Berkeley. (Take a photo of yourself with a farmer, or in with your locally-produced food). Read More »

Lose the Trash

Use products with less packaging and bring your reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. Manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of packaging all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. (Take a pic with your low-packaging items…) Read More »

Cancel Your Carbon

Offset the carbon emissions from your long-distance travel. One offset example is Terrapass. Read More »

Share the Low Carbon Knowledge

Join with your neighbors, coworkers, friends and family to reduce your personal and collective carbon footprint. Exchange support, motivation, and practical information to easily make substantive changes in your lifestyle, household, and community. See the Ecology Center’s Climate Change Action... Read More »

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Local Action Challenge: