EcoChallenge.org

Drawdown EcoChallenge

April 3 - April 24, 2019

Kaitlyn Kern

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
504 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

190

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

40

minutes

spent exercising

Kaitlyn's actions

Materials

Install a Toilet Bank

#46 Water Saving - Home

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water per day by installing a toilet tank bank.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Use

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

#5 Tropical Forests

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transport

Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

#26 Electric Vehicles

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Use

Forest-Friendly Foods 2

#5 Tropical Forests

I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Transport

Use Muscle Power

#49 Cars

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Land Use

Learn about Temperate Forests

#12 Temperate Forests

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings and Cities

Go for a Daily Walk

#54 Walkable Cities

I will take a walk for 40 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Materials

Properly Dispose of Refrigerants

#1 Refrigerant Management

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Social Justice

Learn about Local Indigenous Practices

#39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by attending a training, workshop, or presentation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Reduce Animal Products

#4 Plant-Rich Diet

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Learn More about Silvopasture

#9 Silvopasture

I will spend at least 20 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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
Food

Had you heard of the term "silvopasture" before now? After learning more about it, what do you think is the biggest advantage of silvopasture?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/16/2019 7:45 AM
I haven’t heard of it before and I didn’t even know it existed. I think there a huge advantage in sustainable practices with it as well as keeping the best interest of the land involved. Incorporating forests into the farming process will allow the land to be sustainable and productive.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Action Track: Social Justice

What did you learn about indigenous peoples' land management that you can apply in your own life?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/16/2019 7:43 AM
My school has a lot of resources to learn about indigenous people and how they are affected by others (I.e businesses, large corporations). I believe that people should be aware of the resources available to them and use their voice to make a statement. For myself, I speak out of something isn’t right to indigenous peoples and make it known that they do have a place, which theirs to begin with.

Read More
Kaitlyn Kern 4/15/2019 3:04 PM
Today I’ve noticed more people using reusable items and making an effort to reduce plastic. Good to see.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Materials

How do you address your own feelings of concern, fear or despair about climate change?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/15/2019 3:03 PM
I recently need to dispose of my grandfathers old freezer and found that it was not as easy as I thought. The item needs to be placed in a particular way and can only be disposed of in hazardous waste plants. Luckily there is one that is open year round that I will be telling my friends and family about.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings and Cities

What have you noticed on your daily walks? What have you enjoyed? What infrastructure changes could make your walks more enjoyable or possible?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/15/2019 3:02 PM
I walked around my school and saw that there are ways we could improve our infrastructure. Rock purified rain gutters could be implemented i n older buildings and as well drains around planters. There could also be updates to the side walks to make them more friendly to people who can’t geta round as easily

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use

As you learn more about the scope and seriousness of the environmental challenges we face, what impact does that have on your thinking and actions? What are the parts that feel overwhelming? What parts help you feel hopeful?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/14/2019 7:26 PM
I see that we have a long way to go before we make greater strides in our environment. While small steps are helpful keep me hopeful, I hope that as a group, we can accomplish more than baby steps.

Read More
Kaitlyn Kern 4/14/2019 7:11 PM
I am seeing how my changes are affecting my daily life which I’m turn, affects those around me. My family and friends have gotten involved with me and we are making change together .

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transport

Reducing (or eliminating) exhaust emissions and improving public health are two benefits of green vehicles. What other motivators inspire you to consider switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/14/2019 3:46 PM
Improving gas efficiency can improve the health quality of those around me and myself.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transport

How do your transportation choices affect your engagement in your community? Does your experience or enjoyment differ while walking, riding transit, biking or driving?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/11/2019 11:36 PM
I see that most people in my community will drive from place to place. Today after dinner, I walked home with my mom and found that it gave us a chance to catch up and interact longer than we would sitting in a car. I would like to implement this in more a daily aspect now that I have a first hand experience. While walking or running is something common for me, maybe doing it with family would make it more fruitful.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use

How difficult or easy was it to change your diet?
Kaitlyn Kern 4/11/2019 11:34 PM
It found it easy once I knew what key ingredients to look for. I noticed that some of the foods I wanted didn’t have it at all, but others had it very high up on the list. I was able to remove it from my coffee by switching to a vegan brand and switched some of my lunch snacks for school. I am eager to implement this further and hopefully rid it entirely.

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