Community Fun Club — Nichol Goldstein (Progress) asked a question.

April 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
April "Game" - EARTH DAY

Hullo my beautiful Community!

 

This month, it's not so much a game as it is an activity. We've done this before, but the world is a dirty place, so let's do it again! In April, let's earn points for making the Earth cleaner.

 

Here are some top things you can do - but feel free to get creative.

 

Community & Outdoor Activities

  • Neighborhood Cleanup: Grab gloves and a bag to pick up litter in your local park, beach, or schoolyard.
  • Plant Trees or Gardens: Support local ecosystems by planting native trees, flowers, or a home vegetable garden.
  • Participate in Local Events: Search for community events, tree plantings, or city-led sustainability activities. 
  • Sponsor Eco-friendly Charities: Progress has a lot of favorites, but mine is our Bee Farm. I even have some Progress honey. Mmm, honey...

 

At-Home & Lifestyle Changes

  • Go Zero-Waste: Try to go a whole day without creating trash by avoiding single-use plastics and packaging.
  • Unplug: Conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics for a day, or enjoying a candlelit dinner.
  • Go Digital: Switch to paperless billing and digital documents.

 

Now, how will we prove this? Pictures and honor system of course.

 

Each item is worth 10 points. Post pictures (that don't have to include your face, but would be great if you did) in the thread of the good work you're doing or just tell a quick story about what you're up to.

 

Needless to say:

  • No internet images that aren't you
  • No AI images (especially given the environmental impact)
  • Don't lie. Community points are not worth your living soul, mwahahaha

 

Let's be honest, let's be Earth-conscious, and let's do good deeds.

 

Ai and Akuma planting a cherry blossom tree.

  • 12 answers
  • 233 views
Chris Maden, Kristy Benson, and 4 others like this.

  • James Palmer (Vertu Motors PLC)

    Always good to take a moment for perspective. I'm not going to evidence with photos for obvious reasons, but I use shampoo/shower/shaving soap bars that come in cardboard packaging. No single use plastics! Oh, and while we're at it, I turn the water off while lathering up.

    • Richard Auger (https://pro2col.com/)

      I don't get why anyone keeps the water running all the time! Wastes both the water and the soap! But when I mention this to people they look at me like I'm weird...

  • Nichol Goldstein (Progress)

    Okay, I decided on what we'll be doing in the house this month to help the environment. We're going to unplug all electronics not in use. That means:

    • Blender, Food Processor & Toaster Oven
    • Phone Chargers
    • TVs, Switch & Playstation
    • Space heaters (we have one in every freakin' room)
    • Spawn's Night lights (his room is coated in them)
    • Spawn's 3-D printer (I am an indulgent parent)

     

    I'm sure there's more I can be unplugging, but this is where I'm starting.

     

    According to Google:

     

    Yes, unplugging appliances saves electricity. Many electronics and appliances draw "phantom" or "vampire" power while plugged in but turned off, accounting for roughly 5–10% of residential energy use. Unplugging devices with digital displays, standby modes, or chargers can reduce your electricity bill by 10% annually. 

     

    Key Takeaways for Saving Energy

    • "Energy Vampires": Devices with standby modes, remote controls, or timers (TVs, gaming consoles, cable boxes, coffee makers, computers) are the biggest culprits.
    • Chargers: Phone, laptop, and tool chargers draw power even when the device is not attached.
    • Best Practice: Use a power strip with a switch for easy, all-at-once power-off.
    • Potential Savings: Households can save $100–$200 per year by eliminating these loads. 

     

    Appliances That Often Use Phantom Power 

    • Televisions & Streaming Devices: Constantly waiting for a remote signal.
    • Game Consoles: Often stay partially powered for fast startup.
    • Computers & Monitors: Especially in "sleep" mode.
    • Small Kitchen Appliances: Microwaves/coffee makers with digital clocks.
    • Chargers: Power bricks for phones/laptops. 

     

    While unplugging a single lamp might not show a difference, targeting electronics with LED displays or standby modes will result in savings. 

    • Richard Auger (https://pro2col.com/)

      I've switched to pressure cooking and focussing on one-pot meals. The energy requirements to cook a meal in the pressure cooker are much lower than any other way I've found.

      Also not overfilling the kettle...

      • Nichol Goldstein (Progress)

        What kinds of foods do you make in a pressure cooker? I'll admit, most of my food is either boiled, baked, "sautéd" or... crock...potted? (My pulled pork is divine.)

      • Richard Auger (https://pro2col.com/)

        I've switched to using a multi-function pressure cooker (sounds a bit like 'Ginger moody') that I was given at Christmas. Easter dinner was roast shoulder of lamb, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips - 40 minutes pressure cook, 15 minutes air crisp.

        Last week I cooked rice with leftover KFC on top. Literally 3 minutes.

  • Eduardo Soto (Progress Software)

    Hello Community! "Game"-EARTH DAY 

     

    Community & Outdoor Activities

    +10yrs - Active volunteer with Aldeas Infantiles SOS - Children's Village associations worldwide.

     

    At-Home & Lifestyle Changes

    Go Zero-Waste: Done! 

    Unplug the Energy Vampires - Done! 

    Recycle April: Plastic - Aluminium - Paper. Cleaned and delivered at the recycling collection center. 

    Recycle: Dona Tapa❤️ - Deposit 2 times - (All plastic caps) is part of the Progress volunteer campaign aimed at promoting social sustainability and environmental awareness. This project is part of the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network, which aims to make beaches more accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical condition. 

     

    Thanks,

    EddRecycle April #2Recycle April #1Dona Tapa #2Dona Tapa #1

    • Nichol Goldstein (Progress)

      I LOVE THIS! And Dona Tapa is near and dear to my heart. Thank you so much for all you do!!

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