Sometimes It Takes a One-Year-Old to Show You What's Right in Front of You

Earth Month Ecochallenge 2026's theme is People and Planet, Resilient Together. It's about not only taking actions for the Earth, but also taking actions for yourself. To build the capacity to keep taking action for the planet, we need to take care of ourselves, whether that means Prepare for Extreme Weather or Meditating.

Last year, an Earth Month Ecochallenge participant, Gokul N., learned that slowing down could give him a whole new perspective.

Gokul was experiencing a lot of firsts: a first-time dad, first time living in Qatar, and his first time visiting new places. All of that can be overwhelming, let alone on top of joining Earth Month Ecochallenge. But Gokul saw this not as one more thing on his plate, but as an opportunity to slow down, be more intentional, and that rippled outward.

A walk to the park is what put it all together for Gokul. He took his family to the park – no phones, no distractions. It was a day to be together and to enjoy nature without all the noise. As they were walking his one-year-old started reaching down and collecting things. When Gokul checked to see what he had in his hands he realized it was colorful bottle caps – his son had thought they were toys.

"It made me realize how much waste is around us, and how even kids notice what we leave behind. That moment really stuck with me."

We find these types of moments stick with a lot of people. What we always call "aha" moments are what Earth Month Ecochallenge is all about. And they come at the most unexpected times. It's not always when you're cutting back on plastic, sometimes it's just when you're on a simple walk and connecting with the world around you. And that's also how we build resilience – slowing down, staying grounded and giving yourself the capacity to cope with what comes.

After Gokul's walk, he's become even more aware of reducing his own waste – and he started at home. He's using reusable bags, he switched to steel water bottles and utensils, and he's encouraging the same of his family. He's doing it for his son, his community, and for the planet. This is the ripple. It can start with just you and just one action.

"It's not about being perfect, but being consistent in small, everyday actions." – Gokul N.