Ecochallenge.org

Campus Ecochallenge

Cormac Sterling (901)

YCP Spring 2024

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
457 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

21

organic meals

consumed
UP TO

15

zero-waste meals

consumed
UP TO

27

whole food meals

consumed
UP TO

12

locally sourced meals

consumed
UP TO

3.6

pounds

food waste prevented
UP TO

7.5

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

30

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

19

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

178

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

1,060

minutes

spent exercising
UP TO

1.0

documentary

watched
UP TO

2.0

public officials or leaders

contacted
UP TO

2.0

advocacy actions

completed
UP TO

100

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

90

minutes

spent learning

Cormac's actions

Simplicity

Meditate

I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 30 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Energy

Turn it off

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Go for a Daily Walk

I will take a 30-minute walk outside each day.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Health

Exercise Daily

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 95 minute(s) each day.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

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

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty

I will watch 2 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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Zero-Waste Cooking

I will cook 3 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Advocate for More Food Options

I will advocate for local and/or organic food options at work or on campus.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Weekly Meal Planning

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

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Buy From a Farmers Market

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Whole Food Lifestyle

I will enjoy 3 meal(s) each day free of processed foods.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Choose Organic Ingredients

I will enjoy 3 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients each day.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity Meditate

What would you like to invest more time in reflecting on?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 8:09 AM

I'd like to invest more time reflecting on the impact of my interactions and decisions on others, as well as on the world around me. It's important to regularly pause and consider how my words and actions affect those I interact with, whether it's friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers. Additionally, reflecting on the broader consequences of my choices, such as their environmental, social, and ethical implications, helps me make more mindful decisions and strive to contribute positively to the world.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste Use a Reusable Water Bottle

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?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 8:06 AM

One of the main barriers is convenience. Bottled water is readily available in stores and vending machines, while refilling a reusable bottle requires access to clean tap water and sometimes an extra step. Solution: Make it convenient to use reusable bottles by carrying one with you at all times and investing in a portable water filter or purifier if tap water quality is a concern.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Choose Organic Ingredients

Many people say that “you can’t feed the world with just organic food.” How would you respond to that statement?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 8:04 AM

While organic farming alone may not be sufficient to feed the world's population, it represents an important component of a more sustainable and resilient food system. By integrating organic principles with other agricultural approaches and prioritizing environmental stewardship, we can work towards feeding the world while safeguarding the health of our planet and future generations.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health Exercise Daily

How can you incorporate other personal values (like quality time with friends or spending time in nature) into your exercise routine?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 8:03 AM

Set up friendly fitness challenges with friends or family members. This could involve tracking steps, miles walked or run, or trying new outdoor activities together. It adds a competitive element while promoting physical activity and bonding.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Energy Turn it off

How is electricity generated where you live? How does it impact the environment, animals, and humans?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 8:02 AM

We have a generator this kind of electricity Each method of electricity generation has its own environmental impact. Fossil fuel power plants emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution, climate change, and various health problems for both humans and animals. Coal, in particular, is one of the most carbon-intensive sources of energy and is associated with significant environmental damage from mining.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature Go for a Daily Walk

How do you experience your neighborhood or city differently when walking instead of driving?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 8:00 AM

I was able to be more aware of my neighborhood and the actual environment rather than speedily driving through it opened my eyes a little more.

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Cormac Sterling (901) 4/18/2024 7:53 AM

Another Day down and creating a healthier lifestyle!

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Cormac Sterling (901) 4/16/2024 9:25 AM

Incredibly well, I am being more involved and aware of my surroundings and how simple tings can ultimately impact the environment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Weekly Meal Planning

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 would you rather use this money?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/08/2024 6:49 AM

The statistics regarding food waste in the United States are indeed staggering and may surprise many. The fact that the average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year, leading to an annual expenditure of $1,500 per family of four on discarded food, highlights the significant economic and environmental impact of food waste. Rather than spending this money on wasted food, it could be allocated to various more beneficial avenues. For instance, investing in healthier food options, such as organic produce or sustainably sourced ingredients, could promote better nutrition and support ethical food production practices. Additionally, directing these funds towards savings, education, or charitable contributions could have long-lasting positive effects on personal finances and community well-being.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Whole Food Lifestyle

Michael Pollan states that “it is better to pay the grocer (our edit: or the farmer!) than the doctor.” What are your thoughts on this assertion?

Cormac Sterling (901) 4/08/2024 6:47 AM

I have started eating all whole foods in my day to day life. I just overall feel so much better, both mentally and physically. I think this statement is true because if you put good healthy foods into your body you wont get sick and you'll build an overall healthier lifestyle.

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