Kirk Middleton 902
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 331 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO6.6pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO1.0lightbulbreplaced
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UP TO51minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO18more servingsof fruits and vegetables
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UP TO42minutesof additional sleep
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UP TO75minutesspent exercising
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UP TO20minutesspent learning
Kirk's actions
Community
Explore the Community Feed and Connect with Others
I will spend 15 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.
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 per day.
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.
Health
Enjoy Fruits and Veggies
Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 2 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.
Health
Prioritize Getting Enough Sleep
Good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. I will prioritize getting 7 hours of quality sleep each night and develop a bedtime routine that supports rest and relaxation.
Health
Support Pollution Reduction in My Area
I will spend 10 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.
Energy
Calculate my Digital Carbon Footprint
I will calculate my digital carbon footprint and take steps to reduce my CO2 emissions.
Energy
Turn Off Lights and Electronics
I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
Health
Exercise Daily
Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 20 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.
Energy
Calculate My Carbon Impact
Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.
Energy
Learn About Renewable Energy
I will spend 5 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.
Energy
Choose Clean or Renewable Energy
I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
Energy
Choose LED Bulbs
I will replace 5 incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Community
Make Sure You are Registered to Vote
I will make sure I'm registered to vote. While I'm at it, I’ll sign up to help others register too!
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONHealthConsider how many hours of sleep you get now. How would you like to shift your sleep patterns? What changes did you make to improve your sleep, and how did they affect your day?
Kirk Middleton 902 11/05/2025 8:34 AMSleep is very important. Not getting enough sleep can make you feel groggy and less productive. I usually get around 7 hours of sleep each night. I would like to go to sleep earlier and also wake up earlier because I feel that would lead to a more efficient day. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealthHow does eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat positively affect yourself, other people, and our planet? What fruits or vegetables did you try this week, and which was your favorite?
Kirk Middleton 902 11/05/2025 8:33 AMThere are many benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat. Consuming more fruits and vegetables and less meat can lead to positive personal effects and also for the planet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve digestion, and have needed nutrients. Produce based diets usually require less water and land in comparison to meat production. I eat both meat and vegetables. I have a garden in which I grow tomatoes and bell peppers, I would say that those are my favorites. I buy other produce from Lidl. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyHow is electricity generated where you live? How does it impact the environment, animals, and humans?
Kirk Middleton 902 11/05/2025 8:33 AMElectricity generated in York County is generated through Nuclear Power and also Coal Power. Both can potentially have negative effects on people, animals and the environment.Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in the county produces Nuclear Energy. Nuclear energy causes less pollution if everything goes as planned and there is not a nuclear meltdown. In the worst-case scenario, a meltdown occurs and no one can live in the area for 100 years. Case in point Chernobyl. A meltdown in Chernobyl Ukraine occurred in 1986. Forty plus years later it remains mostly uninhabited. This scenario would initially destroy many animals from cancer and deformities. Oddly though Chernobyl has become a sort of animal sanctuary, with no humans threatening them, wolves and bison are thriving in that area.The Brunner Island Steam Electric Station uses coal to generate electricity. Coal powered Electrical plants do not have as catastrophic worst-case scenarios as Nuclear Power Plants; but under normal conditions, are generating far more pollution. Because of this, the Brunner Island Plant is expected to stop in 2028. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyWhat are other easy things you could do to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint?
Kirk Middleton 902 11/05/2025 8:33 AMUsing the computers power management can reduce energy consumption substantially. The computer can hibernate after being inactive for 20 or 30 minutes. Another is to use less paper by having your bank statements and bills arrive electronically. This will reduce pollution from paper mills. New washing machines and dryers have smart energy ratings which reduce emissions and also save on your bills. -
Kirk Middleton 902 10/20/2025 6:14 AMI've never done an Eco Challenge before, this does seem interesting.