Madelyn VanHerwynen

UWLBRAUN2020

"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. -Robert Swan"

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
996 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

35

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

184

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

1,000

minutes

spent exercising
UP TO

1,220

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

120

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

109

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill

Madelyn's actions

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

I will keep 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Go for a Daily Walk

I will take a 30-minute walk outside each day.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Meditate

I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 15 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Needs Vs. Wants

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset

I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Mug

I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Turn it off

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Brush My Teeth Without Running Water

I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

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
Simplicity Needs Vs. Wants

How is creativity a necessary ingredient for practicing simplicity?

Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/22/2020 10:11 AM

I feel that in order to be creative, one must also practice simplicity. This is because if someone is simple in their shopping, then they must be creative to find multiple uses for each item that they purchase so they are not constantly buying things that are not necessary.

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Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/22/2020 10:09 AM

I have been going on many more walks since this challenge started to get myself outside and enjoying nature, especially while the weather is warm enough and the leaves are changing. I have really enjoyed these daily walks and I feel that they put my mind as ease.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity Meditate

What would you like to invest more time in reflecting on?

Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/22/2020 10:07 AM

I would like to invest more time reflecting on myself and my usage of time. I feel that I waste a decent amount of time on electronics. I would also like to reflect on my mental health to make sure I am staying healthy.

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Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/21/2020 6:48 AM

I never really realized how much water is actually used when I brush my teeth. Now that I turn the water off, I feel better about not wasting as much water doing that twice or three times a day. I think that I am being more mindful with the water I waste now.

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Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/20/2020 7:43 AM

I have refrained from going to a coffee shop for the purpose of reducing my use of single use cups and straws. I have been making coffee, tea, and smoothies at my house using my reusable straws and reusable cups.

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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?

Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/17/2020 11:30 AM

I always use a reusable water bottle because I try to limit my single-use plastic as much as I can. I have multiple different reusable bottles to rotate through. When I am home, I also drink from the tap water with a reusable cup.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset

Father Thomas Berry says, "... our primary purpose is celebration. Celebration of the dawn and the sunset and the different seasons of the year is a religious ritual, a way in which humans can establish their integral relationship with the universe, with the planet Earth." What is your response to Berry's assertion?

Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/17/2020 11:28 AM

I think that Berry is very true. Many people do enjoy celebrating the sunrises and the sunsets, including myself. Seeing the change in the sky with all the beautiful colors is one of the best things to look at. I feel like this connects people with the Earth because they are taking the time to relax and enjoy the pure beauty.

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Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/14/2020 6:45 AM

I am being more mindful on my usage of electricity, water, and waste. I try to not use single time use items to reduce my pollution. I have saved water and electricity.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Water Brush My Teeth Without Running Water

What is the main water source in your region? If you don't know, how could you find out?

Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/13/2020 8:27 AM

I am not sure where our main water source comes from because I am not from this area but I assume we take some water from the Mississippi RIver and treat it. I also could find out by looking it up on the internet or contacting someone in the city who works with the water treatment.

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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?

Madelyn VanHerwynen 10/13/2020 8:24 AM

Sometimes single use mugs are just more convenient if I am out running errands and decide I want a coffee or tea, it can be hard to avoid not using one. But I try to make coffee at home instead using a reusable mug or bringing a mug with me when I go places. It makes me feel good knowing that I am reducing my footprint and not contributing as much to pollution.

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