

Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman)
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,104 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO4.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO23pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO340minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO940minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO420gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO166minutesspent exercising
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UP TO697minutesof additional sleep
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UP TO31peoplehelped
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UP TO11hoursvolunteered
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UP TO658minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO35minutesspent learning
Matthew's actions
Food
Visit A Local Farm
I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.
Nature
Support Local Pollinators
At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 15 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard or local community garden.
Community
Research Restorative Justice
I will spend 15 minutes learning about restorative justice and conflict resolution opportunities in my own community or state.
Health
Audit Toxic Cleaning Products
I will spend 15 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home or dorm room.
Health
Learn More about Food Apartheid
What can lack of access to nutritious food affect a community? How can having access to nutritious food help a community become more resilient?
Health
Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns
I will spend 30 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.
Food
Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty
I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.
Food
Meet My Local Farmers
I will visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those around the world who produce my food in order to make better choices when I shop.
Waste
Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion
I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.
Waste
Go Paperless
I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.
Waste
RESEARCH LOCAL WASTE SITES
I will spend 30 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.
Simplicity
Needs Vs. Wants
I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.
Nature
Spend Time Outside
I will replace 15 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.
Community
Host A Watch Party
I will host a watch party to screen a documentary about an issue that matters to me.
Simplicity
Eat Mindfully
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
Simplicity
Limit Social Media
I will limit my social media use to once each day reducing my daily use by 30 minute(s)
Water
5-Minute Showers
I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.
Nature
Go for a Daily Walk
I will take a 15-minute walk outside each day.
Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 12 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.
Community
Help Others
I will offer to help 2 person(s) who are in need each day.
Energy
Learn About Renewable Energy
I will spend 30 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.
Energy
Power Down the Computer
I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.
Energy
Adjust the Thermostat
I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.
Energy
Choose LED Bulbs
I will replace 3 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Health
Healthy Sleep
Effectively working for sustainability requires self care! I will commit to getting 30 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.
Participant Feed
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity Research Restorative JusticeHow can Restorative Justice help foster the well-being of both people and planet?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:21 AMRestorative Justice, with its focus on healing, accountability, and community involvement, holds the potential to benefit both individuals and the planet. It fosters emotional well-being, empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions, and encourages community engagement. In cases of environmental harm, it can lead to actions that restore ecosystems and educate communities about sustainability, nurturing a more balanced relationship between people and the environment. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Visit A Local FarmHow do our current food growing and manufacturing processes affect our future and the future of Earth?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:20 AMCurrent food production processes have significant implications for Earth's future and human well-being. Intensive farming and resource depletion harm the environment, contribute to climate change, and reduce biodiversity. To ensure a sustainable future, a shift to eco-friendly practices like organic farming, reduced waste, and plant-based diets is vital for balancing food security with the preservation of the planet's ecosystems. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth Learn About Local Environmental Justice ConcernsWho is most affected by environmental degration and/or environmental irresponsiblity in your community? How are they affected?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:19 AMIn our community, marginalized groups, including low-income individuals and racial minorities, are most affected by environmental degradation. They experience health disparities, limited access to green spaces, and food deserts. Proximity to toxic waste sites and landfills poses additional health risks, and climate vulnerabilities can lead to displacement and economic challenges. Addressing these disparities is an environmental and social justice imperative, demanding inclusive and sustainable solutions for the well-being of all community members. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONNature Support Local PollinatorsWhy is it important to take care of pollinators?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:18 AMCaring for pollinators is vital as they drive biodiversity, support food production, offer economic benefits, and sustain ecosystems. These essential creatures play a pivotal role in agriculture, contributing to our food security and global economy. Protecting pollinators through habitat conservation, reduced pesticide use and sustainable practices is not only an environmental importance but also vital for the resilience and well-being of our ecosystems and future generations. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Learn About & Practice Sustainable FashionHow can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:16 AMI express my personality, creativity, and values through secondhand shopping. Embracing secondhand fashion allows me to reduce my environmental footprint and support a circular fashion economy. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste RESEARCH LOCAL WASTE SITESIn what neighborhoods or areas of your region are landfills or other waste sites located? Which communities are most affected by these locations?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:14 AMLandfills and waste sites are typically situated in areas with lower land values, often disproportionately impacting marginalized or low-income communities. These communities can suffer the most from the presence of these sites due to increased air and water pollution, unpleasant odors, and potential health hazards. The placement of landfills in these areas raises environmental justice concerns, as residents in these communities often have less political influence and fewer resources to address these issues, highlighting the need for equitable waste management practices and environmental policies that prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Go PaperlessReducing your paper mail can reduce mental clutter as well as physical waste -- by reducing what is coming in, you can reduce what is going into the recycling bin too. How does it make you feel? What is the next step you will take to reduce your waste?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:12 AMReducing my paper mail not only lightens my mental load but also cuts down on physical waste. By going paperless for bills and statements, opting out of unsolicited mail, and ensuring responsible recycling, I'm actively reducing my environmental impact. As the next step, I'll persist in advocating for digital communication with organizations and maintain my commitment to align my recycling practices with local guidelines, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergy Learn About Renewable EnergyWhat inspires you to act on sustainable energy and other energy issues?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:11 AMThe urgent need to combat climate change and protect our environment inspires my commitment to sustainable energy and energy issues. Understanding the profound impact of our energy choices on the planet's future, I'm motivated to promote clean energy solutions, reduce carbon emissions, and support innovations that can transform how we generate and use energy. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity Volunteer in my CommunityWhat is one thing you can do to help your community become more sustainable?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/21/2023 6:09 AMOn thing I could do to impact my community's sustainability is by advocating for recycling bins in public spaces. Encouraging the placement of convenient and easily accessible recycling bins in parks, schools, businesses, and public areas can significantly increase recycling rates. When recycling becomes more convenient, people are more likely to participate, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserving valuable resources. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicity Eat MindfullyMindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How do your eating experiences differ when practicing mindfulness?
Matthew McDevitt (Ackerman) 10/09/2023 9:17 AMWhen practicing mindful eating, my eating experiences become a bit different. I find myself fully present with each bite. I pay closer attention to my body's hunger and fullness cues, helping me to avoid overeating. Distractions like phones or television are absent, allowing me to appreciate the meal. This mindful approach fosters a deeper connection to the food and promotes better overall well-being and a more mindful approach to life in general.