Charles Blanchette
4/30/2025 4:07 AM
- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
I had a pretty good idea of my diet and sugar intake, this was a fun way to keep myself in check.
Charles Blanchette
"To lead by example in creating a culture of sustainability that inspires action, reduces environmental impact, and builds a healthier future—within the lab, across the hospital, and throughout the community."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 568 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO76pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO260itemsrecycled
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UP TO839pieces of paperavoided
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UP TO49pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO166additional oz of waterconsumed
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UP TO35more servingsof fruits and vegetables
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UP TO1.0well-being appointmentmade
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UP TO465minutesspent exercising
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UP TO50itemsdonated
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UP TO22healthcare connectionsmade
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UP TO120minutes spentlearning
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UP TO3.0greener purchasesmade
Charles's actions
One Healthcare
Greening the Labs
I will spend 120 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its laboratories more sustainable and ways we can improve.
At Work
Greener Purchasing
I will select a greener option when purchasing supplies, such as products that have environmental certifications, less packaging, or other environmental attributes, or come from local vendors.
One Healthcare
Find My Climate Action
How can you personally help address climate change? Complete the climate action venn diagram at ayanaelizabeth.com/climatevenn and share your climate action in the feed.
One Healthcare
Network for Change
I will make 30 new healthcare connections at my workplace or beyond to learn from my peers, share best practices, and see if there are opportunities for collaboration.
At Work
Greenwashing
I will spend 60 minutes learning about greenwashing and how to avoid it.
At Work
Last to Leave? Lights Out, Please!
Lighting makes up approximately 10% of hospitals' energy use on average. I will save energy by turning off unnecessary lights when not in use and when I am the last one to leave a space.
At Work
Recycling Champion
I will recycle 5 items at work and/or at home each day, making sure I review recycling program guidelines and only place accepted items that are clean, empty, and dry in the recycling bin.
At Work
Go Paperless
I will avoid printing 50 pieces of paper by "going digital" and printing double-sided whenever possible.
At Work
Use Reusables at Work
I will keep 10 forks, spoons, and/or knives from entering the landfill by using reusable utensils when eating at work.
In Our Communities
Donate Items
I will help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 20 items.
In Our Communities
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.
Health & Well-being
Celebrate a Personal Win
No one person can do everything, but we can all do something. Making one person's worth of difference matters! Share an impact you made related to an Ecochallenge action that you are proud of in the feed.
Health & Well-being
Go Get a Check Up
I will make 1 appointments to support my health and well-being (primary care provider, dental, vision, etc.)
Health & Well-being
Reduce Refined Sugar
I will adopt a diet free of refined sugars, which eliminates sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.
Health & Well-being
Healthy Hydration
I will improve hydration by drinking an additional 20oz of water each day. I will do this by drinking additional servings of water or by drinking water in place of other less healthy beverage options.
Health & Well-being
Gratitude
I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for every day.
Health & Well-being
More Fruits and Veggies
I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.
Health & Well-being
Exercise Daily
Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 45 minute(s) each day.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth & Well-beingBefore you started this challenge, did you think you were 'addicted' to sugar? How do you feel now?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONOne HealthcareHow did you feel before and after completing this exercise? What step(s) do you plan to take next?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:35 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
Before this exercise, I felt overwhelmed—like there were so many climate issues and not enough clarity on where to start or how to make the biggest impact. However, going through it helped me focus on where my passion and skills align. It provided clarity and reminded me that meaningful action doesn’t need to be massive to be effective—it just has to be intentional.
After completing the exercise, I felt recharged, motivated, and more connected to a larger movement. It helped me recognize that advancing sustainable lab practices, reducing institutional waste, and fostering cultural change constitute my climate action.
Next, I plan to continue building programs that scale impact—such as expanding lab recycling, hosting educational events, and mentoring others in sustainability leadership. Climate action isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a lifelong effort that strengthens when we share it. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth & Well-beingWhy is celebrating important? What are some ways that you like to celebrate?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:32 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
Celebrating is essential as it acknowledges progress, builds momentum, and fosters a sense of community. This is particularly true in sustainability work, where change can be slow and challenging. Taking the time to celebrate milestones reminds us that our efforts matter and keeps everyone energized for the next challenge.
I enjoy celebrating by sharing success stories, organizing small events (even something as simple as coffee and treats), and personally thanking everyone involved. Sometimes, a public shoutout, a handwritten note, or a team gathering can transform a small win into a significant motivator. Celebration creates a positive feedback loop that encourages even more action. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIn Our CommunitiesWhy is it important to consider how and to whom you donate your no-longer-needed items?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:28 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
It’s important to consider how and to whom you donate items you no longer need because responsible donations extend the life of resources, support communities in need, and prevent waste. But it’s not just about giving things away—it’s about ensuring that what you donate is truly usable, safe, and valuable to the recipient.
Thoughtful donations help avoid creating a burden for others (like passing on broken or unusable items) and ensure that materials continue to serve a purpose. By donating strategically—whether to schools, nonprofits, or lab-sharing programs—we amplify the environmental and social benefits of reuse and strengthen a culture of sustainability. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAt WorkWhat green attributes do you look for when making purchasing decisions?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:26 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
When I make purchasing decisions, I seek products that prioritize durability, energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and responsible sourcing. I pay close attention to certifications such as Energy Star, EPEAT, and products made with recycled or biodegradable materials. I also look for vendors who demonstrate transparent sustainability practices—like reduced packaging, take-back programs, and clear lifecycle assessments.
Beyond the product itself, I consider the broader supply chain: Is the company dedicated to reducing emissions? Are they socially responsible? Choosing greener options isn't just about one item—it’s about supporting systems that promote larger, positive change. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth & Well-beingHow do you practice self care? Why is it important?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:25 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
I practice self-care by establishing healthy boundaries, staying active, and making time for reflection. In a field like sustainability, where the work often feels urgent and never-ending, it’s essential to protect your energy to remain effective over the long term.
Self-care is crucial because burnout doesn't just affect personal well-being—it also hinders the progress we’re striving to achieve. By taking care of myself, I’m better equipped to bring creativity, resilience, and positivity to my work and the teams I’m part of. Sustainability is about creating a better future, and that must include sustaining ourselves too. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAt WorkHow do you avoid greenwashing? What are additional steps you can take?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:24 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
Avoiding greenwashing begins with transparency, honesty, and measurable action. It's essential not to exaggerate the environmental impact of a program or initiative and to support any sustainability claims with genuine data and outcomes.
I strive to prevent greenwashing by concentrating on evidence-based practices—tracking metrics, setting clear goals, and communicating both our successes and the areas where we still need improvement. It’s important to be upfront about challenges, as real sustainability progress is seldom perfect or instantaneous.
Additional steps I can take include collaborating with third-party organizations for certifications, seeking peer reviews of our programs, and involving a diverse range of stakeholders in sustainability planning. Fostering a culture of continuous improvement, rather than pursuing flashy headlines, ensures that our efforts are both credible and impactful. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONOne HealthcareWhat is one action your organization can take to make its laboratories greener? How can you assist in this effort?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:20 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
One impactful action our organization can take to make its laboratories greener is to expand lab plastics recycling. Labs generate significant amounts of plastic waste, much of which is high-quality material that could be diverted from landfills with the right infrastructure and education.
I can assist in this effort by helping to design and implement a streamlined recycling program—identifying the right partners, piloting collection points, creating clear signage, and offering training sessions for lab staff. I would also work on gathering data to track progress, celebrate successes, and continuously improve the program. By combining operational support with community engagement, we can make recycling second nature in the lab environment, moving closer to a truly sustainable research culture.-
Tanya Knudtson 4/22/2025 8:24 AM- Foodie 🍱
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REFLECTION QUESTIONOne HealthcareWhat are the benefits of connecting with new colleagues? How have you fostered meaningful connections with others?
Charles Blanchette 4/22/2025 8:19 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
Connecting with new colleagues is essential in sustainability work because collaboration fuels innovation, progress, and lasting impact. Different backgrounds bring diverse perspectives, allowing us to solve complex environmental challenges creatively. Building relationships across disciplines also helps break down silos, ensuring that sustainable practices are embedded throughout an organization rather than isolated in just one area.I’ve fostered meaningful connections by approaching conversations with genuine curiosity and openness. I make a point to actively listen, learn what others are passionate about, and find shared values that tie our work together. Whether it’s through cross-departmental projects, informal coffee chats, or sustainability committees, I prioritize creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute. These connections have often sparked new ideas, strengthened initiatives, and built a community of change agents who support each other in driving sustainability forward. -
Charles Blanchette 4/16/2025 10:09 AM- Everyday Earth Hero 💚
One Lab, One Health, One Step at a TimeToday's OneHealthCare EcoChallenge tip: Small actions make a significant impact. Here are a few easy wins to green your lab without breaking a sweat:Shut the sash – Fume hoods are energy hogs. Closing the sash saves energy and improves safety.
Flip the switch – Turn off lights, centrifuges, and water baths when unused.
Label your cold storage – Clear labeling reduces door time, reduces energy use, and saves samples.
Recycle tip boxes – If your lab has access to recycling (👀 @BCH Green Labs), use it!
Right-size your freezer space – Consolidate and defrost for better efficiency.
Little changes add up. Let’s make One Health part of our daily routine.