

Joe Walter
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 499 TOTAL
participant impact
-
UP TO23plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO182minutesspent learning
-
UP TO3.0treesplanted
-
UP TO10minutesspent outdoors
-
UP TO23disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO5.0locally sourced mealsconsumed
Joe's actions
Food
Buy From a Farmers Market
Do at Home
I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.
Energy
Choose Clean/Renewable Energy
Do at Home
I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
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.
Nature
Plant Trees
Do at Home
I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
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.
Nature
Explore My Area
I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 QUESTIONNatureHow is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?
Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:14 AMI believe the idea of starting something on its growth cycle is tremendously satisfying. And when it is successful even more so! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONNatureWhy is it important to take care of pollinators?
Joe Walter 10/27/2021 11:13 AMIf 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!! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodWhat 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 AMWe 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. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteWhile 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 AMI 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! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteMaybe 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 AMI 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. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteWhat 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 AMI 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!-
Courtney Groszhans 10/27/2021 7:42 PMThat 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.
-
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodMany 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 AMThe 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. -
Joe Walter 10/06/2021 2:11 PMEcoChallenge? Challenge accepted!