

Valerie Schoonover
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 153 TOTAL
participant impact
-
UP TO45minutesbeing mindful
-
UP TO2.2pounds of CO2have been saved
-
UP TO30minutesspent learning
-
UP TO1.0meatless or vegan mealconsumed
-
UP TO20gallons of waterhave been saved
-
UP TO1.0personhelped
Valerie's actions
Waste
Personal Waste Audit
I will collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.
Energy
Power Down the Computer
I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.
Energy
Learn About Renewable Energy
I will spend 30 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.
Food
Reduce Animal Products
I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 0 vegan meal(s) each day this week.
Health
Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns
I will spend 30 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.
Health
Support Pollution Reduction
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.
Energy
Heat and Cool Naturally
I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.
Community
Help Others
I will offer to help 1 person(s) who are in need each day.
Water
5-Minute Showers
I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.
Nature
Explore My Area
I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.
Water
Collect Rain Water
I will create a rain garden or bioswale or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.
Simplicity
Eat Mindfully
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
Food
Locally-Sourced Meals
I will source 1 meal(s) each day from local producers.
Participant Feed
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicityMindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How do your eating experiences differ when practicing mindfulness?
Valerie Schoonover 4/17/2020 9:40 AMThis one is particularly difficult. I live in a small apartment, and since we don't have a dining room I do eat most dinners on the couch in front of the television. This is a way for me to unwind, and destress, but it can also take focus away from eating the food I've prepared. I try to make a point of eating at the kitchen counter away from screens and reading materials, at least a few times a week. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodWhy do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our planet and other people?
Valerie Schoonover 4/17/2020 9:39 AMPeople in richer countries likely eat more meat than in other places because it is easily accessible, and perceived to be a richer, healthier, more indulgent form of protein and nutrients. Since eating meat is not a renewable resource (something must die in order for it to be consumed), it is more harmful to the environment. On the other hand, eating protein sources like beans, ancient grains, and eggs, reduces the amount of resources needed, and these food sources can be replenished faster than meat products. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyWhat are other ways you could use the power of the sun to reduce your own environmental footprint?
Valerie Schoonover 4/17/2020 9:36 AMAllow butter for baking to come up to room temperature naturally in the sunlight of my kitchen, rather than using the stove or microwave.-
Sarah Tulga 4/20/2020 12:12 PM
-
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyWhat are other easy things you could do to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint?
Valerie Schoonover 4/13/2020 9:23 AMalways unplug kitchen appliances like blender, coffee maker, toaster, and coffee grinder, when not in use.-
Sarah Tulga 4/20/2020 12:10 PMThis is great! Standby power is a sneaky thing. One good thing to keep in mind is that many appliances use standby power to keep lights on or be in sleep mode. If your toaster has a little light, that means that it would use this. Always prioritize turning off and unplugging items which have these lights as they use the most power.
-