Chase Close 315

YCP Fall 2025

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
406 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

860

minutes

not spent in front of a screen
UP TO

505

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

78

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

384

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

1,055

minutes

spent outdoors

Chase's actions

Water

Take 5-Minute Showers

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Eat Mindfully without Distractions

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

I will keep 4 disposable plastic bottles from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Spend Time Outside

I will replace 60 minutes per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Brush My Teeth Without Running Water

I will save up to 4 gallons (15 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Explore a New Trail or Nature Walk

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Water

What did you notice about your habits or routines when limiting your showers to five minutes? What changes—if any—do you think you’ll continue long-term?
Chase Close 315 10/20/2025 8:05 PM
I had to really rush to get done in 5 minutes, as I have long and dense hair. I am not sure I could hit 5 minutes on a day where I do a full wash, although I could turn the water off while I lather.

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- Kurtis Miller 10/20/2025 11:37 PM
  I notice that I tend to only feel good about them if it's part of a kind of flow state where I consciously choose them, am not rushing them, and am not sleepy. If I am running on auto pilot, rushing them or sleepy then trying to implement a quick shower it is psychologically difficult and unpleasant for me, so I stick to a longer shower. So i think alternating between the two might be healthier for me than always restricting my shower time.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Water

Do you know where your campus or community gets its water? If not, how could you find out?
Chase Close 315 10/20/2025 8:04 PM
I believe we receive water from the city, but I am not sure beyond that. I could research local reservoirs.

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- Kurtis Miller 10/20/2025 11:40 PM
  I believe Abbotsford gets its water from Mission, but I am not certain if UFV gets its water from the same places.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

While water bottles are needed for health and safety in certain places, we can do more to reduce the unnecessary use of them. What are the barriers to you using reusable bottles and tap water instead of bottled water? How could you make this a permanent habit?
Chase Close 315 10/20/2025 8:03 PM
I have simply banned myself from purchasing single use plastic water bottles. I have made a dedicated spot in my bag for a large reusable, and even got a brita to ensure I am still drinking clean water.

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- Kurtis Miller 10/20/2025 11:42 PM
  I invested in a hydroflask years ago and have carried it pretty much everywhere and every time I leave the house. It's incredibly useful and has meant the only bottled water I drink is on camping trips or community events.
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

Mindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How do your eating experiences differ when practicing mindfulness?
Chase Close 315 10/20/2025 8:02 PM
I eat slower without distraction, I savor the bites and engage more deeply with those around me. I noticed I felt full much faster than usual.

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- Kurtis Miller 10/20/2025 11:51 PM
  I notice when I mindfully eat that my experience of time changes. It is like everything slows down so there is more space to process whatever I am eating. It feels expansive, then. Physically I havent noticed much of an effect yet, other than feeling more emotionally stable.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

Rachel Carson said that we need the beauty and mysteries of the natural world for our spiritual and emotional development. Does that ring true for you? What are the implications for a culture that spends most of its time indoors?
Chase Close 315 10/20/2025 8:01 PM
The natural world holds beauty in interconnectedness that no man-made system can mimic. Feeling your minuscule place in the world reminds you of the importance of interpersonal connection and meaning. A culture which spends most of its time indoors will soon forget their responsibility toward the planet and themselves.

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