Evans Chigounis, a horticulture professional and community drum circle facilitator based in New Jersey, today announced the launch of a personal 30-day pledge focused on rebuilding everyday connection through nature, hands-on work, and shared creative time. The pledge is not a programme or product. It is a set of simple behaviours Evans will follow publicly—and encourages others to adopt in their own way.
“People are more disconnected than ever,” Chigounis says. “You don’t fix that by scrolling more. You fix it with soil, rhythm, and shared moments.” Drawing from his lifelong work in horticulture and community music, the pledge reflects practices he already lives by. “In the garden, everything teaches you if you’re willing to watch,” he adds. “Start small. Plant one thing. Learn one rhythm.”
Why This Matters Right Now
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75% of adults report moderate to high stress, with nature exposure shown to reduce stress markers significantly.
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70% of people spend less than five hours outdoors per week, despite evidence that short daily exposure improves focus and mood.
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Group music activities increase social bonding and reduce anxiety, according to multiple arts participation studies.
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Loneliness has doubled in the past decade, with community participation cited as a key protective factor.
“Boredom is healthy,” Chigounis notes. “When people slow down, they create.”
The Evans Chigounis Personal Pledge: 7 Concrete Commitments
For the next 30 days, Evans commits to:
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Spend 20 minutes outdoors daily, regardless of weather.
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Work with his hands every day (gardening, tools, or instruments).
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Teach or share one skill weekly with someone else.
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Attend or host one community gathering per week, even informal.
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Limit passive screen time after sunset on weekdays.
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Practice a steady rhythm for 10 minutes daily (drum, tap, or breath).
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Care for one living thing daily (plant, garden bed, or shared space).
“Small actions add up,” he says. “Communities work the same way gardens do.”
Do-It-Yourself Toolkit (No Cost, No Services)
Anyone can take part by choosing actions like these:
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Plant herbs in a jar or windowsill pot.
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Walk outside for 20 minutes without headphones.
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Clean and organise hand tools or kitchen tools.
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Learn a basic rhythm and practise daily.
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Invite a neighbour for a short walk.
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Join a free community clean-up.
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Teach a child or friend one hands-on skill.
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Spend one evening a week screen-free.
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Keep a small notebook for ideas and observations.
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Attend a free local art, music, or park event.
30-Day Progress Tracker (Simple and Flexible)
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Daily: ☐ Outdoors ☐ Hands-on ☐ Rhythm
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Weekly: ☐ Share a skill ☐ Community time
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Reflection (Weekly): What felt different this week?
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End of 30 Days: What habit will you keep?
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Evans Chigounis
Evans Chigounis is a New Jersey–based horticulture professional, percussionist, and community facilitator. Raised among organic gardens in Clifton, he has worked in nurseries, landscaping, and public horticulture, and volunteers as a drum circle facilitator in Asbury Park. His work centres on simple practices that reconnect people with nature, creativity, and one another.
Contact:
info@evanschigounis.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Evans
Contact Person: Chigounis
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: evanschigounis.com
