Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about in the ACHS community; it’s something we strive to improve every day. As a holistic health college, we understand that caring for people and caring for the planet go hand in hand. That’s why we’re proud to have participated once again in the 2025 People’s Ecochallenge hosted by ecochallenge.org this October as the ACHS Eco Ambassadors team!
This event aligns with our mission to advance evidence-based, integrative health and wellness education through experiential online learning and sustainable practices.
What is the People’s Ecochallenge?
The People’s Ecochallenge is a month-long event that empowers individuals and teams around the world to take small, meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. Participants select daily and one-time actions that align with their values and goals, from conserving water and reducing waste to improving health and fostering community connection.
This initiative is designed to educate, entertain, and engage people in developing lasting eco-friendly habits that contribute to real environmental impact. Since its inception, more than 200,000 participants in 139 countries have joined Ecochallenges, collectively demonstrating that small steps truly lead to big change.
ACHS Eco Ambassadors: Small Steps, Big Impact
This October, the ACHS Eco Ambassadors, a team of 50 faculty, staff, students, and alumni, came together to make a difference. Throughout the month, the team logged actions that supported community, preserved energy and water, made sustainable food choices, prioritized personal health, and reduced waste.
Together, we earned an impressive 8,676 points, showing that individual actions can have a collective global impact. Whether turning off lights, composting food scraps, supporting local farmers, or practicing mindfulness, our participants exemplified what it means to live holistically and sustainably.
Hear from some of our Eco Ambassador teammates about their challenge goals and inspirations:
“I strongly believe our actions have a compound effect. As such, I am committed to working with my team to achieve measurable goals that significantly impact our environment in a positive way.” – ACHS student Keila Miller
“I aim to spark the power of change in others, empowering them to take charge of their health and wellness with insight and confidence.” – ACHS student Brittany Zahorchak
“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.” – ACHS Professor Jacqui McGrath, ND
Sustainability at ACHS
At ACHS, sustainability is part of our DNA. We integrate environmental awareness and ethical responsibility into every aspect of our work, from our curriculum and community partnerships to our day-to-day operations.
Earlier this year, we hosted the Sustainability Expo: Sustainable Botanicals, a first-of-its-kind virtual event dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support people, plants, and the planet. The event brought together more than 20 expert speakers and exhibitors from across the holistic health and wellness industry.
We are also proud to be a certified B Corporation, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. ACHS was also proudly named the first People and Planet First Verified Higher Education Institution, demonstrating our commitment to using education and business as a force for good and to making a positive impact on global communities. We have also participated in numerous other ecochallenges over the years, most recently the Earth Month Challenge in April 2025.
Real Change Happens Together
Participating in the People’s Ecochallenge reminds us that sustainability is a shared and ongoing journey. Each small, mindful action, when multiplied by thousands of people around the world, creates meaningful change.
We’re deeply grateful to our Eco Ambassadors for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to making the world a better place. Together, we’re proving that building a more sustainable and healthier planet starts with the individual choices we make every day.
If you’re inspired by our Eco Ambassadors’ efforts, visit our website to learn more about how ACHS integrates sustainability into education, community engagement, and holistic wellness!
