Urban Sustainability & Eco-Living Challenge

Define your exploration radius (1-2 miles from home). Download a mapping app that lets you drop custom pins—OsmAnd or Maps.me work offline if needed.

Start at a major intersection or commercial strip during mid-morning. Use your infrared thermometer to measure surface temps of asphalt, concrete, brick, and any green spaces. Note the differences—they're usually shocking.

Map every visible sustainability feature: solar panels, bike lanes, bike repair stations, bus shelters with living roofs, permeable pavement, rain gardens, community gardens. Drop a pin for each with a note about condition and accessibility.

Visit 8-10 local businesses. Check packaging systems—are takeout containers compostable, reusable, or styrofoam? Do they offer water refills? Accept container returns? Note any terracycle, battery, or e-waste collection points.

Locate waste infrastructure: public compost bins, clothing donation boxes that aren't scams (check for legitimate nonprofit names), community fridges, food pantries, tool libraries, repair cafes. Photograph and note their hours.

Document water systems: check storm drains for fish symbols or educational markings. Note any rain barrels, cisterns, or greywater systems visible from the street. Spot any urban farms using drip irrigation.

Count tree canopy coverage on your block versus commercial areas. Use the thermal readings to correlate—more trees equals measurably cooler surfaces, usually 10-20 degrees.

Find the "nodes"—places where multiple systems connect. Maybe a coffee shop with compost bins, bike parking, and refill stations. These are your anchor points.

Back home, compile your map into categories: food systems (gardens, composters, zero-waste shops), energy (solar, wind, efficient buildings), transport (bike infrastructure, EV charging), and waste/water. Identify the three biggest gaps in your immediate area.

Pick three concrete actions based on what you found. Not generic "use less plastic" but specific: "Drop compost at the church collection on Saturdays," or "Refill cleaning supplies at the bulk shop on 5th Street."