- Unplug unused electronics, as they still sap up power
- Power down as opposed to putting your compute on sleep
- Unplug electronics when fully charged
- Operate devices on a dimmer setting to use less power
- Turn off lights when there is sunlight or you are not in the room
- Install solar energy so when energy is used, it comes from natural sources
Lauren Simitz
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,080 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO45minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO1,335minutesspent exercising
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UP TO465minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO32pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO240minutesspent learning
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UP TO80gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO28meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO1.0personhelped
Lauren's actions
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.
Waste
Prevent Recycling Contamination
Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.
Food
Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty
I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.
Health
Exercise Daily
Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 30 minute(s) each day.
Community
Support Businesses Owned by People of Color
Racial inequity is both a sustainability and justice problem. I will support businesses owned by people of color in my community whenever I shop.
Nature
Go for a Daily Walk
I will take a 15-minute walk outside each day.
Simplicity
Organize a Course
I will organize Ecochallenge.org's discussion course 'A Different Way: Living Simply in a Complex World' with my family, friends, co-workers, or classmates.
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.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyWhat are other easy things you could do to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint?
Lauren Simitz 4/28/2020 4:40 PM -
REFLECTION QUESTIONNatureHow do you experience your neighborhood or city differently when walking instead of driving?
Lauren Simitz 4/28/2020 4:38 PMWalking puts greater emphasis on your senses, so that I found myself more engaged and aware of myself in the environment than when I drive. For instance, I feel the sun on my skin or the uneven rock beneath my feet. This makes the experience of being in nature more direct and instills a greater sense of respect for our plant--and thus the need to protect it. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyWhat are other ways you could use the power of the sun to reduce your own environmental footprint?
Lauren Simitz 4/25/2020 11:37 PM- Use the sun's radiation to dry things off naturally, like hanging clothes on a clothes line as opposed to putting them in a dryer
- Install solar and use that energy in place of electricity from the power grid, which primarily comes from fossil fuel sources
- Use the sun as natural lighting when possible
- Use the sun to grow plants, either in a garden to produce your own local, in-season food, or in your house to help keep the air clean
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REFLECTION QUESTIONNatureHow might spending more time outdoors enhance your brainpower?
Lauren Simitz 4/16/2020 6:11 PMSpending time outdoors fosters mindfulness - I find myself practicing meditation and working on being aware of my body and how I feel, removing myself from thoughts about work temporarily. I come back far more refreshed and ready to take on work.-
Sarah Tulga 4/20/2020 12:09 PMThat is great to hear! Nature and meditation are amazing for centering yourself. Especially with all the stress of a new quarter!
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