EcoChallenge.org

Drawdown EcoChallenge

April 3 - April 24, 2019

Elizabeth Yorio

Harborfields Library Green Squad

Points Total

0 Today
0 This Week
798 Total

Participant Impact

up to

38

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
up to

2.0

trees

planted
up to

20

minutes

spent learning

Elizabeth's Actions

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 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Learn More about Silvopasture

#9 Silvopasture

I will spend at least 10 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 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Electricity Generation

Rooftop Solar Consultation

#10 Rooftop Solar

After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.

Completed
One-Time Action

Land Use

Plant Trees

#15 Afforestation

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

Completed
One-Time Action

Land Use

Buy Bamboo

#35 Bamboo

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

Completed
One-Time Action

Materials

Choose Recycled Paper

#70 Recycled Paper

I will plan ahead to only use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

Completed
One-Time Action

Land Use

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

#5 Tropical Forests

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

Completed
One-Time Action

Food

Reduce Animal Products

#4 Plant-Rich Diet

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 19
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Smaller Portions

#3 Reduced Food Waste

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

COMPLETED 19
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 19
DAILY ACTIONS

Feed

Elizabeth Yorio 4/23/2019 6:48 AM

Earth day...Every day...Every season...

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Elizabeth Yorio 4/23/2019 6:48 AM

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Reflection Question
Land Use Forest-Friendly Foods 2

How difficult or easy was it to change your diet?

Elizabeth Yorio 4/23/2019 6:37 AM

The most difficult thing I am finding is lowering the amount of fruits and vegetables I consume that are out of season. We have become a society of convenience and have a constant supply of fruits and vegetables at our disposal that aren't necessarily healthy to be eating year round. I feel that being more conscious of shopping locally and at farmer's markets will help me to realize what it is exactly I should be eating seasonally to get the optimal nutritional value.

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Reflection Question
Food Keep Track of Wasted 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?

Elizabeth Yorio 4/23/2019 6:34 AM

Oh, what I would do with $1,500.00...travel...I would most likely buy a round trip ticket to the British Isles with a stop in Iceland, as I would like to see Rekjavik before the warming climate has it's way.

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Elizabeth Yorio 4/20/2019 8:38 AM

I just finished reading The Longevity Paradox, a follow up to The Plant Paradox and that is certainly helping to keep me on track with my reduction of eating red meat, and all meat in general. I’ve also rid my house of all palm oil products so I’m feeling pretty inspired after this challenge!

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Reflection Question
Electricity Generation Rooftop Solar Consultation

Identify some ways in which modern human societies have become unsustainable. What kind of roles do individuals have in creating and changing practices in society?

Elizabeth Yorio 4/17/2019 7:51 AM

The abuse and misuse of fossil fuels in our society today have led us on a clear path to unsustainability. While it may seem that the problem is too far gone as a whole, it is up to the individual to not give up hope and do his or her part. Small efforts like carpooling and planning drives wherein I can be most efficient, doing the most amount of errands in the fewest amount of trips is what I strive for. Only allotting a certain amount of money per week for gas helps me to accomplish this.

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Reflection Question
Food Learn More about Silvopasture

Had you heard of the term "silvopasture" before now? After learning more about it, what do you think is the biggest advantage of silvopasture?

Elizabeth Yorio 4/17/2019 7:46 AM

I had never heard of silvopasture prying to doing some research today. It makes total sense to integrate the flora and fauna that thrive together in any living environment. While I don't have livestock, I will make more of a concerted effort to plant trees, grasses and plants that do well together and enhance each other's growth. I have several nut trees in my backyard, so I will start my research from there.

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Elizabeth Yorio 4/17/2019 7:38 AM

Been solar for the last 3 years...best thing we ever did, but I did put in a call today to see if I can sneak one more panel in #10!!

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Elizabeth Yorio 4/17/2019 7:37 AM

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Elizabeth Yorio 4/15/2019 5:33 AM

#Lemon time! #Grow your own! It’s true what they say...they do taste better!!

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