Branden Martin is participating in the Campus Ecochallenge!

Branden's points

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
211 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.4

pounds

food waste prevented
UP TO

2.8

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

7.0

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

68

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

1.0

advocacy action

completed

Branden's actions

Food

Plan Meals for the Week

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Advocate for Better Food Packaging Options

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus to reduce pollution in the environment and in local communities.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottles from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

What concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Branden Martin 4/07/2026 10:36 AM

What concerns me the most is that people know they are hurting the planet but they do not care.

Read More
- Melissa Tomecz 4/07/2026 7:05 PM
  
  Agreed. Globally, the ones who could actually make a change because of all the power and money they have, do nothing (such as big corporations/government). Just locally, I am disheartened when I hear friends and family (who have kids and are contributing more garbage than my household) refuse to change their ways for the better because it is "too much work" or "gross" (composting was the discussion). Every human needs to take a course on sustainability. Those with kids should be leading by example on how to care for the planet---instead, those I know are making it worse for future generations. Why did they have kids, then? Doesn't make sense :( Instead of trying to convince them, I simply explained what I do---and that it is much easier than they think. I told them I never had issues composting. They all looked at me, impressed or surprised. I hope if my example could change something for the better with one of them, it would be worth it!
  
  Read More
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?
Branden Martin 3/26/2026 8:00 AM

I could make this a permanent habit by always having a reminder on my phone that tells me to bring my water bottle, so I don't have to buy a plastic water bottle at school.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four in the US spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Does this surprise you? Where else would you rather invest this money instead of wasting food?
Branden Martin 3/26/2026 7:57 AM

This does not surprise me, I work in a restaurant and I see a lot of waste. You could invest this money in real estate or mutual funds.

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