Join the Drawdown EcoChallenge, presented by EcoChallenge.org

April 3 - April 24, 2019

Odyssey High School 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?

Karuna Li 4/21/2019 8:12 PM

I mulched my garden! It looks nice, now. I'm glad it conserves water, too. It's kind of annoying watering it all the time.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use Plant Trees

How is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?

Karuna Li 4/21/2019 8:07 PM

Digging around in the dirt feels great! It's very relaxing. Additionally, walking around in greenery is UTTERLY RELAXING. I always feel like a new person coming out of a park or garden. I feel like such a boob for not realizing that before recently. So, planting trees is great for you mentally, because it is very relaxing. It's great spiritually because you tune into nature and become closer to it. And, it's great physically because you get a workout digging the hole!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Materials Install a Low-Flow Showerhead

What would a sustainable water future in your region look like? What needs to change?

Karuna Li 4/21/2019 6:45 PM

I installed those aerator things for almost all of the faucets in my home! I really needed them, to be honest. The faucet attachments I was using splashed water everywhere. Now my water flow is normal AND saving water!

I think a sustainable water future in my region would look like: Less Beer. Beer has to take up lots of water. And we have so many breweries. I think we should advocate for the decrease in the number of breweries in Asheville and increase the funding and education about low-flow attachments. We should advocate for rain barrels and rain filters. Asheville is located in a valley, so all of the rain in the region gravitates to the city. I'm glad we have a good local and independent farmer community because independent farmers probably use less water than the multinational corps do on their giant monocultures.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use Learn about Temperate Forests

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?

Carter Norfleet 4/21/2019 5:59 PM

It makes me think more about what I buy, and where I shop from. I'm overwhelmed by how much damage we've done to the planet, but there are so many people trying to help, which is great.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings and Cities Go for a Daily Walk

What have you noticed on your daily walks? What have you enjoyed? What infrastructure changes could make your walks more enjoyable or possible?

Sunshine Pugh 4/15/2019 4:30 PM

benches and trees are a great addition to walking paths! also having areas of open green to plop down and signs/croswalks at busy intersections. I have enjoyed walking when the sun is out and feeling it on my face and the patterns the leaves make onto paths or sidewalks.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings and Cities Go for a Daily Walk

What have you noticed on your daily walks? What have you enjoyed? What infrastructure changes could make your walks more enjoyable or possible?

Karuna Li 4/14/2019 7:02 PM

I noticed on my daily walks that I am getting to know Asheville on a much more intimate level when I walk. I will say hello to people I know instead of rushing past them in a car. I also become more familiar with the bus system, because my legs can't take me everywhere. Signs that point to bus stops and signs in general that show walkers where they are going really help. It was raining today, so roof overhangs and arbors over storefronts were very much appreciated. I also appreciate roundabouts like the ones in RAD and Biltmore Park. I don't know why, I just like them.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Materials Properly Dispose of Refrigerants

How do you address your own feelings of concern, fear or despair about climate change?

Sunshine Pugh 4/14/2019 8:59 AM

well I'm feeling distressed or concerned about climate change the best thing I can do to relieve that is to go outside and appreciate nature for awhile. I will usually bring a paper bag and pick up trash along the way in my neighborhood and in the city.

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- Karuna Li 4/17/2019 7:48 PM
  
  The way I address my feelings is by doing something. That might entail getting involved with activists such as the Sunrise Movement. At least then, I am busy and can take my mind off the panic and feel like I am doing my own little work toward helping the planet.
  
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Karuna Li 4/13/2019 6:34 PM

I read in the Mountain Express today that in 2022, biking and walking infrastructure in Asheville is going to be greatly improved. The city is already dropping large funds toward connecting the greenways and making the city more walker/biker friendly and less car-centered.

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Karuna Li 4/13/2019 6:31 PM

Today I spent a long time in Weaverville exploring the small downtown. I spent a very long time in the Nature Park. What I found pleasing in the Park was the obvious amount of respect for wildlife. I saw a massive fallen tree trunk. The park service decided to mulch around the tree trunk instead of removing it. This fallen tree is home to many different creatures and is an ecosystem of its own. I saw almost no litter on the ground, which was really nice. There were many people walking their dogs and keeping to the path and respecting the park. The sign in front of the park said "no harassing the wildlife", which was much more specific and meaningful than "no hunting", because it means no picking the flowers or throwing stones at birds. Also, there was a garden of wildflowers. This garden had weeds and mushrooms in it, but was still fenced off to preserve the wildlife. It was a very relaxing walk. I wish I had pictures of the walk, but my phone was on its last leg. So here is a picture of a tree, instead.

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Karuna Li 4/12/2019 6:41 PM

On my walk today, I walked from UNCA to Odyssey. I noticed that (as I was texting and walking), smooth sidewalks made not tripping so much easier because I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Also, signs that pointed me to where I was going and where I needed to go were so helpful. Similarly, people that can point me in the right direction also help. I suppose, creating a more friendly and active walking/pedestrian community will help to create a better city atmosphere.

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