Join the Campus Ecochallenge, presented by Ecochallenge.org

PLNU BUS 4075 SP21 Sustainability in Action Feed

BACK TO TEAM PAGE

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?

Anna Carlson 5/17/2021 9:42 PM

I collect rainwater for my plants! It helps save a ton of water and it's good because some times San Diego tap water can be harsh on the plants.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Action Track: Building Resilience Learn More about Food Apartheid

What can lack of access to nutritious food affect a community? How can having access to nutritious food help a community become more resilient?

Michael Liggins 5/10/2021 3:04 PM

Luckily, I can honestly say that the "food deserts" in San Diego are not that bad. However, I have lived in San Francisco before, and I must say that the food deserts in San Francisco are some of the worst I have ever seen. If you are young, or marginalized, or if you can't afford motor transportation, then shopping for groceries in San Francisco is very difficult. Living in a food desert makes poor people more likely to eat junk food that can be bought at a convenience store.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Locally-Sourced Meals

If you were to only eat what is in season locally from now on, what would be the most difficult food item for you to give up? Why?

Michael Liggins 5/04/2021 11:56 AM

Pineapple, because I love sweet fruits. I live in San Diego, where most fruits grow nearly all year. However, I really like pineapples, yet they are not locally sourced.

Read More
Sami Neilson 4/22/2021 9:26 PM

This week I have been staying at a hotel for a tennis tournament. I think it is so easy to be less mindful when staying at a hotel of the electricity that is being used. I make sure that everyday before we leave to our matches we turn all the lights off and have the air conditioning off so that we aren't wasting energy while we are away.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature Tend a Garden

Have you ever had a significant experience in nature that altered your perspective or focus? If so, please describe it.

Britt Shaw 4/21/2021 8:16 AM

I visited Redwood National Park a few years ago and was just in awe, not only at the enormous trees but also the rich soil. I am from Arizona, and our soil is powdery and tan. Only native plants can be planted directly in the ground, and even that is a bit of a stretch sometimes because the soil is compact and poor. In the Redwood forest, the soil is dark, rich, spongy, and smells amazing. As a gardener, it was amazing to be in such a rich alive place as the Redwood Forest.
AZ vs Redwood Forest Soil:

Read More
Blake Buchanan 4/21/2021 8:02 AM

I had the chance to speak with a friend that works at Trader Joe's in Liberty Station. She was pulling food (specifically bread items) off of the shelf due to them being close to expiration dates. After watching the documentary, "Just Eat It", I had to ask... where is this food going if it is being taken off the shelves? I was pleased to hear that they have started donating these items to local humanitarian efforts as well and food banks. They're creating impact through indirect pressure on other chains such as Ralphs and Vons.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste Go Paperless

Reducing your paper mail can reduce mental clutter as well as physical waste -- by reducing what is coming in, you can reduce what is going into the recycling bin too. How does it make you feel? What is the next step you will take to reduce your waste?

Michael Liggins 4/16/2021 8:01 AM

I try to get as little paper mail as possible. Paper mail has become way too wasteful, especially, advertisements from credit card companies. I pay my credit card off online every month, however, I still receive paper advertisements from other companies in the mail.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Water Say No to Plastic Straws

What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) do you regularly use? What could be substituted instead?

Michael Liggins 4/16/2021 7:56 AM

I use plastic utensils only once, and I am trying to stop using so much plastic to eat just one meal. I notice that restaurants usually provide too many napkins, and plastic utensils in my area. This issue is much like using plastic straws, something that is easily fixed by telling the employee of the restaurant you are buying food from that you do not require a lot of utensils.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Zero-Waste Cooking

In North America, up to 65% of food waste happens at the consumer level. Chef Steven Satterfield advocates for using every part of a vegetable. How can you incorporate using an entire vegetable (including the skins, tops, stalks, etc.) during your next meal prep?

Michael Liggins 4/15/2021 1:46 PM

I have a small family, therefore, it is not hard for me to cook meals without wasting too much food. For example, rice is something that I can cook, and not waste anything. If I was cooking vegetables, I would just prepare tomatoes. As long as the tomatoes are clean, I can eat every part of the tomato.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Water 5-Minute Showers

Name some of the human activities impacting the health of water systems, both locally (your watershed) and globally (freshwater and oceans). What can you do to improve the health of water systems?

Michael Liggins 4/14/2021 11:40 AM

I don't pour oil down the drains around my house. Whenever I have to change the oil of my car, I go somewhere to get the oil changed where I know that the oil will be disposed of properly.

Read More