Jacqui McGrath

ACHS Eco Ambassadors

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
60 THIS WEEK
862 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

302

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

1.0

donation

made
UP TO

4.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

1.0

community event

hosted or attended
UP TO

1.0

advocacy action

completed
UP TO

4.0

hours

volunteered
UP TO

3.0

trees

planted
UP TO

70

minutes

spent learning

Jacqui's actions

Take the Pre-Survey

Take the Pre-Event Survey

I’ll take a short pre-survey to share what motivated me to join — and earn 15 points! (If I already took the survey by email, I’ll just mark this action complete to get my points.)

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Learn About Trans, Femme, and Nonbinary Experiences

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the experiences of trans, femme, and/or nonbinary people.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Engage In Active Listening

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 1 conversations.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Learn About Constructive Communication

I will spend 11 minutes learning about constructive communication.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Organize a Course on Reconnecting with Earth

I will organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses, such as 'Reconnecting with Earth', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Eat Mindfully without Distractions

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

COMPLETED 28
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Plant Trees

I will plant 1 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Connect with a Nonprofit

I will connect with a local nonprofit, environmental or otherwise, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Research Impact Investing

Using the links provided below, I will research impact investing and determine if it is right for me.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Jacqui McGrath 10/24/2025 9:10 AM
I'm pretty clueless about investing. I've just recently opted in for a 401 (k) at my work, and I've felt uneasy about it in part because I didn't research where the money is being invested. I spent a few minutes this morning reading about impact investing here: https://thegiin.org/publication/post/about-impact-investing/ Now, I feel inspired to inquire about where my 401 (k) monies are. I wasn't sure what to ask, so I asked AI what to ask. Here's what Copilot suggests...

Questions to Ask Your Employer or HR
1. Do we offer any ESG or socially responsible investment options in our 401(k)?
- ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance—these funds prioritize companies with strong sustainability and ethical practices.
2. Can we add impact-focused funds to our 401(k) investment lineup?
- If none are currently offered, ask whether the plan administrator can include funds that support clean energy, gender equity, affordable housing, or other causes you care about.
3. Who manages our 401(k plan, and can I speak with them about impact investing options?
- This helps you connect directly with the plan provider (like Fidelity, Vanguard, etc.) who may offer ESG or impact funds not currently included.
4. Is there a brokerage window or self-directed option in our 401(k?
- This feature lets you invest in a broader range of funds—including impact investments—beyond the core offerings.
5. How often is our 401(k) fund lineup reviewed or updated?
- If changes are possible, you can advocate for impact funds to be considered during the next review cycle.
6. Can you share the criteria used to select our current investment options?
- Understanding this helps you make a case for why impact investing aligns with the company’s values or employee interests.
💡 Bonus Tip

If your employer is receptive, you could suggest a short employee survey to gauge interest in sustainable investing. Collective demand often drives change faster.
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

What would you like to discuss about nature, the environment, or sustainability with your family, friends, coworkers or classmates?
Jacqui McGrath 10/09/2025 8:16 AM
I'd like to share the idea that we are part of nature -- and that we can connect with the rest of nature for inspiration and answers to our human problems. We can literally Ask Nature :) https://asknature.org/

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

How is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?
Jacqui McGrath 10/08/2025 6:45 AM
Planting trees helps anchor me in hope; it feels like a way to connect with the future I want for all of us. I love gifting baby avocado trees from the fruits that fall from the avocado tree in my yard, too. It's such a miracle that each avocado has the potential for growing an entire tree that will provide shade and oxygen and nutrition for people in the future.

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- Jacqui McGrath 10/10/2025 12:37 PM
  I'm still waiting to see how long it takes for the 1st fruits, Brittany! I have an avocado tree here that's at least 7 or 8 years old and it's not yet producing fruit. I don't have the greenest thumb, either, and your question led me to wonder if all avocado trees bear fruit. According to this guy, they take a long time (10+ years) and they can't self-pollinate. So, pollinators and a nearby complimentary variety of avocado tree is needed unless our tree is grafted. Mine's not. Hehe. https://scottgrowsanavocadotree.com/2023/08/07/will-your-home-grown-avocado-trees-bear-fruit/
  
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- Brittany Zahorchak 10/08/2025 8:38 AM
  
  Plant Parent 🪴
  I tried to grow an avocado from a seed but my thumb was not as green as I thought. I love that you gift baby avocado trees! I gift various succulent babies together because throwing the trim away seems so sad for some reason. How long does it take for an avocado tree to bear fruit from seed? My favorite tree is the majestic weeping willow. Something about them is comforting to me.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

Mindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How do your eating experiences differ when practicing mindfulness?
Jacqui McGrath 10/08/2025 6:40 AM
I enjoy my food and the experience of mealtime more when I focus on mindfulness. I notice I eat more slowly and notice satiety cues better, too. In thinking of nervous system states, this approach to eating ensures I'm in the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' mode. The People's ecochallenge resources for mindful eating have some practical tips for mindful eating strategies such as using one's nondominant hand for eating to help stay present. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/distracted-eating-may-add-to-weight-gain-201303296037

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Jacqui McGrath 10/07/2025 4:41 AM
I'm inspired by the Nature Journalling prompt of the People's Ecochallenge. This morning my son and I have been watching a free class from the Children and Nature Network with John Muir Laws, both excited to activate our curiosity and wonder with some of his ideas... the https://johnmuirlaws.com/nature-journaling-for-families/

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community

How is equality for trans, femme, and nonbinary people important to a just and sustainable society?
Jacqui McGrath 10/05/2025 11:00 AM
The They/Them documentary linked in the resources for the People's Challenge has strengthed my solidarity for trans, femme, and nonbinary people. I appreciate the courage and willingness of vulnerable populations that share their experience with me in a way that allows me to expand my circle of compassion. I don't want to live in a black and white world --I want Love to win and for everyone to feel safe to express themselves in full color! Here's the link to the film -- https://www.patagonia.com/stories/they-them/video-102573.html

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- Keila Miller 10/06/2025 7:54 PM
  
  Book Lover 📚
  Thank you for sharing the link! I deeply appreciate that you are so open to learning from different perspectives and lived experiences. Thank you for making the effort to create a safe place for others to feel loved and accepted. I too purpose to have my mind and heart wide open for others. 🫶🏼
  
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- Megan Gonzales 10/05/2025 7:25 PM
  
  Book Lover 📚
  Thanks for the link! I’ll watch it too
  
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Jacqui McGrath 10/03/2025 8:39 AM
I was inspired to join the challenge this time as an opportunity to commit to personal goals for mindfulness and community involvement. I'm grateful to be here with my ACHS team and looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm with my local community, too.

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- Mavala Sanchez 10/03/2025 8:48 AM
  - Exercise Lover 🤸
  Thanks for sharing, and it looks like you are enjoying yourself.
  
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Jacqui McGrath 10/02/2025 6:16 AM
I am grateful for this challenge! I've chosen some daily mindfulness activities that I'm ready to implement today -- mindful eating (without multitasking). This photo is ceiba fluff from a tree in my yard. It carries seeds far and wide and makes great stuffing for pillows. Nature is wonder-FULL!!
& replacing screentime with nature (& specifically nature journalling).

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