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Western Technical College - Fall 2021 Feed

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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?


  • Angelina Ebert's avatar
    Angelina Ebert 10/24/2021 8:17 PM
    I got to say, I’m really glad I joined this year’s Ecochallenge at Western! I got back into exercising, gained a greater awareness of how simple, everyday actions can make a strong impact over time, and I learned of La Crosse’s composting and renewable electricity options. I hope you all enjoyed participating in this sustainability movement as much as I have and will continue to carry out these actions long after this challenge!

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food Reduce Animal Products
    Why do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our planet and other people?

    Randy Hytry's avatar
    Randy Hytry 10/24/2021 1:44 PM
    Richer countries can afford the meat. It utilizes more farmland.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Simplicity Work-Life Balance
    How might practicing work-life balance lead to a more sustainable life for yourself? How might it contribute to sustainability more broadly?

    Kris Stegemeyer's avatar
    Kris Stegemeyer 10/22/2021 5:44 PM
    Practicing work-life balance would hopefully lead to less stress and job burnout.  In my particular case --- when stressed or feeling overwhelmed I tend to do shop therapy.  If I practice work-life balance - hopefully I will reduce buying items I don't really need, less packaging to throw away and save money.  
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Simplicity De-Clutter My Home or Dorm Room
    How can you prevent yourself from accumulating more unnecessary things in the future?

    Liz Wallace's avatar
    Liz Wallace 10/22/2021 8:23 AM
    I tend to be an impulse buyer. If I see something I like, I can find a justification for why I need it right now. If I wait to purchase things, I typically find I don’t need it, or I find something better suited for my purposes. Like for clothes, I need to have specific items in mind when I’m shopping, otherwise I buy everything that looks cute, regardless of if I need it in my wardrobe or not. So if I just keep waiting to buy things, it’ll keep me from brining home items that just add to the clutter. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Transportation Work from Home
    It takes the average worker in the United States 26 minutes to travel to work. One way to fix long commutes would be to make cities more affordable. An even simpler option: promote the use of telework. How have you used technology to replace in-person meetings or work this year?

    Victoria Koppa's avatar
    Victoria Koppa 10/21/2021 12:35 PM
    I had experience with telework before coming to Western. My previous job allowed me to work remotely 1-2 days per week, even before covid. During covid, I was 100% remote. Being new to Western, I'm currently on a hybrid schedule, working on site 2 days / week. I do not have any responsibilities with students, so this makes my remote work schedule possible.
    I have a 64 mile round-trip commute, so my hybrid schedule saves me 6 hrs in commute time and 7-8 gallons of gas per week. I am completely comfortable participating in and facilitating online meetings. It's a safe and efficient way to get things done. I could think of some advantages to meeting in-person, so I do understand when in-person meetings can be necessary. But telework definitely helps with sustainability and work-life balance. I couldn't be at Western without the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule! 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Joyful Movement
    What's your favorite activity(ies) in which you experience joy while being active and moving?

    Rebecca Gnewikow's avatar
    Rebecca Gnewikow 10/21/2021 8:40 AM
    I like going for a walk with my children as we listen to music along the way. We also listen to the sounds of nature too. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Healthy Sleep
    Consider how many hours of sleep you get now. How would you like to shift your sleep patterns? What are you finding works for you to be successful in this action?

    Rebecca Gnewikow's avatar
    Rebecca Gnewikow 10/21/2021 8:39 AM
    I would like to be able to go to bed a little earlier, more or less within 30 mins after putting my children to be able to get the little extra sleep that could help me through my day. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Reduce refined sugar
    Before you started this challenge, did you think you were 'addicted' to sugar? How do you feel now?

    Rebecca Gnewikow's avatar
    Rebecca Gnewikow 10/21/2021 8:37 AM
    I feel great now that I have limited my sugar intake. I never realized until now what effects sugar has on your body. I feel better and more productive with the least of the sugar I take in. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Energy Adjust the Thermostat
    Your utility company is able to tell you your average energy usage. Ask them how your energy usage compares to others in your ZIP code, region, and/or state. What other steps can you take each day to reduce your electricity usage?

    Jessa Lounsbrough's avatar
    Jessa Lounsbrough 10/21/2021 8:34 AM
    Never leaving lights on, unplug things when not using them, open windows, turn things off when not using, etc. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Waste RESEARCH LOCAL WASTE SITES
    In what neighborhoods or areas of your region are landfills or other waste sites located? Which communities are most affected by these locations?

    Rebecca Gnewikow's avatar
    Rebecca Gnewikow 10/21/2021 8:31 AM
    We have both residential and Business landfills in our area. One is located in between two of the towns, and the other is located farther out of town.