Lauren Homolka is participating in the Campus Ecochallenge!

Ecochallenge.org

Campus Ecochallenge

Lauren's points

30 TODAY
120 THIS WEEK
751 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

480

minutes

not spent in front of a screen
UP TO

1,415

minutes

spent exercising
UP TO

305

minutes

spent learning

Lauren's actions

Health

Learn More about Food Apartheid

I will spend 30 minutes learning about food apartheid and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Audit Toxic Products In My Living Space

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 30 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Support Pollution Reduction in My Area

I will spend 60 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 60 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Think About My Core Values

We may find more meaning and joy in life when our actions are aligned with our personal values. I will determine what my top 3-5 core values are so that I can better align my actions with them.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Reflect on My Needs Versus Wants

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Go for a Daily Walk

I will take a walk each day to clear my mind, get some fresh air, and support my physical and mental health as a student.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Track My Purchases and Spending Habits

I will spend 20 minutes each day maintaining a record of all my purchases and learning about my spending habits.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Limit Social Media Use and Reflect About My Experience

I will limit my social media use to once per day and share the impact I see and reflections I have on the feed.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Find or Join a Local Sharing Economy

I will research tool libraries and other sharing economy organizations in my area and rent or borrow instead of buy next time I need something they offer.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

What environmental factors affect human health in your region, and how do they affect it?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:11 AM

In La Crosse, environmental factors like air pollution, water quality in the Mississippi River, and seasonal allergens can affect human health by contributing to respiratory issues, waterborne illnesses, and allergies. These factors can lead to problems like asthma, infections, and reduced overall well-being, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

What benefits does a sharing economy offer to your own life? What benefits does it offer to your neighbors' and community members' lives?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:10 AM

A sharing economy benefits my life by saving money, reducing waste, and giving me access to things I need without always having to own them. It also helps neighbors and community members by building stronger connections, increasing access to resources, and creating a more supportive, sustainable community overall.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

What can lack of access to nutritious food affect a community? How can having access to nutritious food help a community become more resilient?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:09 AM

A lack of access to nutritious food can lead to higher rates of illness, lower energy levels, and reduced academic or work performance, which weakens the overall health and stability of a community. In contrast, having reliable access to nutritious food supports better physical and mental health, improves productivity, and helps communities become more resilient by enabling people to thrive.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

What surprised you most about the products you use in your home?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:08 AM

What surprised me most about the products used in my home is how many contain hidden chemicals or create more environmental waste than expected, even in everyday items like cleaning supplies and packaging. It made me realize how small, routine choices can have a much larger impact on health and the environment than I initially thought.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

Who is most affected by environmental degradation or environmental irresponsibility in your community? How are they affected? What actions can you take to support those affected by these issues?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:06 AM

In La Crosse, environmental degradation most affects low-income communities, children, and people who rely on resources like the Mississippi River, exposing them to pollution, health risks, and fewer safe living conditions. You can support them by reducing your own environmental impact, participating in local cleanups, and advocating for policies that promote environmental justice.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

What are your top 3-5 core values? How did you narrow it down to those as being your core values?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:06 AM

My core values would be curiosity, honesty, usefulness, and clarity, because they guide me to seek understanding, provide accurate information, be genuinely helpful, and communicate ideas in a simple, meaningful way; these stand out as “core” because they consistently shape every response I give, even when other values could apply.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

Social media can keep us connected with loved ones, make us laugh, and help us to learn new things. It can also create echo chambers and take more time than we realize or intend to give. After completing this action for a few days, how do you feel? What do you notice?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 11:03 AM

I noticed that I really don't need to be on social media as much as I am, and I feel much more productive when I am not. I notice that sometimes social media ruins my mood, because I am constantly comparing myself to other people.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

How is creativity a necessary ingredient for practicing simplicity?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 10:55 AM

Creativity is essential to simplicity because it allows you to thoughtfully choose what matters most and express it clearly within limits.

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- Athena Molina 4/21/2026 12:33 PM
  
  Can you activity is necessary for practicing simplicity if you can anything as long as you have something. You just need to be a little creative
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

Fresh air and movement are good for our entire being and can help us think more clearly and creatively. How does taking a walk each day affect yourself and/or your work?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 10:53 AM

Taking a walk each day helps me feel more productive and be happy because I am outside.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

What have you noticed about your purchases? Where are you inclined to make shifts, if any?
Lauren Homolka 4/21/2026 10:52 AM

I have noticed that a lot of my purchases are not needed, and more of them are just because my friends got it. If I could just say no, I wouldnt have to spend this money.

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