ACHS Eco Ambassadors

We desperately need trees for our survival. They are crucial for reducing toxins and purifying the air. They give shelter and food to so many creatures, including us. They protect the soil from erosion and pollution build up; which helps to protect our water system. They create micro ecosystems for special species to thrive in. Aesthetically,...

In my immediate local area, the biggest concern is soil and ground contamination primarily caused by glass manufacturing waste, including toxic metals, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and boron. The contaminated soil was used as fill in times past and has been of concern is specific locations, including several parks and at the high school. What was...

The truth is I don’t donate food to charities or institutions that are organized to support the local community in this way. This was my first time doing so and I’m glad I did. It helped me find new resources to give to and to direct people to. The people collecting the donations were friendly and approachable too; which was encouraging to see....

What surprised me most was how easy it is to implement actions that reduce energy footprint at home. There were quite a few actions I was already aware of and have been implementing. Others are on the to-do list, like sealing all draft areas in the attic. However, before reading on how to perform an at-home energy audit, I was fully expecting...

My chosen actions have given me a newfound sense of purpose and personal empowerment. I feel healthier and more holistically mindful. It feels good to see small steps add up and to be part of a larger collective effort toward sustainability. Going forward, I plan to keep the momentum by sharing my successes with my friends and family, setting...

Environmental Justice and Community Impact in South Dakota Environmental degradation in South Dakota disproportionately affects Indigenous nations, rural landowners, and communities near vulnerable water systems. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe faces significant threats to treaty lands and water quality from projects such as the Dakota Access...

Environmental Justice Concerns in South Dakota, 2025 Environmental justice in South Dakota has increasingly centered on land use conflicts and the environmental implications of proposed carbon pipelines. In 2025, state lawmakers passed a ban on the use of eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects, following public opposition and concerns...

Pollinators impact my life by providing beauty as my flowers bloom and food to provide sustenance. I can plant marigolds and cone flowers to help the pollinators in my area thrive.

I started this eco challenge because of school but the more I read the more I fell in love with the concept. I feel confident that I have gaine some healthier habits and more self awarenes about the impact I make in the world.

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...