Cassandra Urban

Comerica Bank

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
476 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

120

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

18

zero-waste meals

consumed
UP TO

420

minutes

spent exercising

Cassandra's actions

Buildings and Cities

Online Energy Audit

Multiple Solutions

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

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

Food

Learn More about Silvopasture

#9 Silvopasture

I will spend at least 60 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Keep Track of Wasted Food

#3 Reduced Food Waste

I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the EcoChallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Zero-waste Cooking

#3 Reduced Food Waste

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Buildings and Cities

Go for a Daily Walk

#54 Walkable Cities

I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

COMPLETED 14
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?

Cassandra Urban 4/25/2019 10:17 AM
My challenge went fairly smoothly. Even when I was out of town, I made sure I completed all my activities. I look forward to the challenge next year! Even small changes can make a difference!!!

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Cassandra Urban 4/25/2019 10:14 AM
Even small changes make a difference!

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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?
Cassandra Urban 4/23/2019 7:41 AM
I live in a somewhat rural area, where I have to drive to get anywhere I need to go, Also, I live about 40mins from my job, so it would definitely be more cost efficient to have a fuel -efficient vehicle. I do have a vehicle that is flex fuel, but I am looking into a hybrid for my next vehicle.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How are environmental issues like black carbon and other emissions from cooking fires or rudimentary cookstoves also human health and social justice issues? Why do these issues matter to you?
Cassandra Urban 4/23/2019 7:27 AM
It is also human health and social justice issues because, unfortunately, in third world countries, populations have to use cooking instruments that are not energy or health efficient because they can't afford proper cooking appliances. We should and need to take the necessary steps to assist these countries with the necessary means and education for healthier food prep and cooking. By doing this will help all of us in the long wrong...less carbon emissions.

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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?
Cassandra Urban 4/17/2019 7:17 AM
No, I never heard of Silvopasture before now. I believe the biggest advantage of silvopasture is that it helps to keep carbon emissions down. Deforestation is a huge problem in this world. We are in such a hurry to tear down forests to build, that this is a good way to counter act this!

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Cassandra Urban 4/15/2019 7:57 AM
This is my second year joining the challenge. I really enjoyed doing the challenge last year. I learned a lot and either changed or improved my positive eco habits. I picked different actions this year from last year for two reasons: first, because I have continued to do the challenges that I did last year, and 2nd, I wanted to learn new ways to be environmentally aware and improve on my habits to be more positive.

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- TAKISHA MCCLAIN 4/15/2019 9:03 AM
  Hey Cassandra! This is my first year doing this challenge. It is fun and educational. Keep it up!
  
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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?
Cassandra Urban 4/09/2019 8:37 AM
I noticed that the roads in my neighborhood need to be repaired and resurfaced. I would also like sidewalks and/or bike paths to make it safer to walk and ride bikes.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings and Cities

What are your next steps for saving energy?
Cassandra Urban 4/09/2019 8:23 AM
I already use LED lights wherever I can at home. I also control the temperature at home so my furnace or air conditioner don't run long. I have converted to a tankless water heater and an energy efficient water softener ( I'm on well and septic), and have all energy efficient appliances. My next step is to change my furnace to an energy efficient furnace, convert my fireplace and change my upstair windows (changed all the windows on the main floor). I hope to get this done within 5 years.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Where would you rather use this money?
Cassandra Urban 4/04/2019 7:50 AM
I would rather use this money to build and add to my raised garden beds and composting system.

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