Ecochallenge.org

The People's Ecochallenge

October 6 - October 27, 2021

Joe Walter

CLEAResult Consulting Inc.

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
499 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

23

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

5.0

locally sourced meals

consumed
UP TO

182

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

10

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

23

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

3.0

trees

planted

Joe's actions

Food

Smart Seafood Choices

Do at Home

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Meet My Local Farmers

I will visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those around the world who produce my food in order to make better choices when I shop.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Prevent Recycling Contamination

Do at Home

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Advocate For More Food Packaging Options

Do at Home

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus to reduce pollution in the environment and in local communities.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Use a Reusable Mug

Do at Home

I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

Do at Home

I will keep 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Plant Trees

Do at Home

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Explore My Area

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Support Local Pollinators

Do at Home

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 15 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Engage In Active Listening

Do at Home

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 2 conversations.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Buy From a Farmers Market

Do at Home

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Choose Clean/Renewable Energy

Do at Home

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature Plant Trees

How is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:14 AM

I believe the idea of starting something on its growth cycle is tremendously satisfying. And when it is successful even more so!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature Support Local Pollinators

Why is it important to take care of pollinators?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:13 AM

If we all want to be able to eat healthy, nutritious foods we must support pollinators. I avoid most chemical sprays and treatment services at my house for insects of any kind. So many companies out there going door to door trying to sell monthly services for pest control of spiders, bees, bugs, ants, etc. I send them all packing!!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Buy From a Farmers Market

What is one food choice that you make, or could make, that would do more good and less harm?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:10 AM

We grow a garden at home during the summer to avoid having to purchase many of our vegetable needs from the grocery store or farmers market. I believe if community gardening were more plentiful it would help many disenfranchised communities to eat healthier and become more well.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste Use a Reusable Water Bottle

While water bottles are needed for health and safety in certain places, we can do more to reduce the unnecessary use of them. What are the barriers to you using reusable bottles and tap water instead of bottled water? How could you make this a permanent habit?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:08 AM

I work on this every day! Occasionally it happens that I may have to use a plastic bottle but I try to avoid it if at all possible!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste Use a Reusable Mug

Maybe you've heard how good it is to switch from a single use coffee cup to a reusable one, but it's just hard to make the switch. What stands in your way of making this a habit? By identifying the challenges, you can begin to work through them to have better success in taking this action. Knowing the difference you are making, how does it make you feel?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:06 AM

I love being able to help in the avoidance of disposable coffee cups into the waste cycle. Having been working from home a lot helps of course! But I always try to remember to take my travel mug with me when I leave the house, either with coffee in it or if I plan to stop for coffee somewhere in my travels.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste Prevent Recycling Contamination

What have you learned about what is accepted by local haulers for recycling, what you can drop off or ship to certain places, and what is not recyclable in your area? What is the most difficult part of recycling for you?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:04 AM

I am fortunate to be in an area where recycling is combined, so I put everything into one container for curbside pickup. I have researched what types of things are not recyclable as one would think they are (like used pizza boxes, other stained or used food containers, some plastics). I try to recycle everything possible but am becoming more mindful of checking items I am not sure about to avoid clogging up the recycling centers operations. A lot has been in the news lately in my area about recycling centers overwhelmed with items that are not recyclable!

Read More
- Courtney Groszhans 10/27/2021 7:42 PM
  
  That is awesome, Joe! It is great to always check what can actually be recycled, rather than doing "wishful recycling" where you hope it is acceptable! I reuse a lot of our glass jars for food storage.
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Smart Seafood Choices

Many states and countries have advisories on eating fish. Find out what is advised for your region. Do you think your diet choices fall within these guidelines? What steps do you need to take to make sure that they do?

Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:00 AM

The only advisory on eating fish that I am aware of is the possible mercury exposure in tuna. I have started looking at labels more carefully and only purchasing fish with the "sustainably sourced" labels.

Read More
Joe Walter 10/06/2021 2:11 PM

EcoChallenge? Challenge accepted!

Read More