Michael Zahorchak 103

YCP Fall 2025

"Our mission is to create a more sustainable future by taking small, consistent actions that reduce waste, conserve energy, and inspire others to protect the environment."

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
201 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.0

energy audit

conducted
UP TO

35

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

3.0

more servings

of fruits and vegetables
UP TO

90

minutes

spent outdoors

Michael'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.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Heat and Cool Naturally

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Calculate my Digital Carbon Footprint

I will calculate my digital carbon footprint and take steps to reduce my CO2 emissions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Enjoy Fruits and Veggies

Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 3 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Energy

Complete an Online Energy Audit

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Practice Gratitude for the Earth

I will spend 60 minutes per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and my natural surroundings.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Nature

Enjoy the Sunrise or Sunset

I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Participant Feed

Michael Zahorchak 103 11/11/2025 9:55 AM
The eco-challenge went very well I learned a lot of new things that I can take into consideration now, after learning about it

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

Father Thomas Berry says, "... our primary purpose is celebration. Celebration of the dawn and the sunset and the different seasons of the year is a religious ritual, a way in which humans can establish their integral relationship with the universe, with the planet Earth." What is your response to Berry's assertion?
Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:46 AM
I think Father Thomas Berry’s idea makes a lot of sense. He’s saying that life and nature are meant to be celebrated that things like the sunrise, sunset, and changing seasons connect us to the world around us. I agree because appreciating those moments reminds us that we’re part of something bigger. Taking time to notice and celebrate nature helps us feel more grounded, grateful, peaceful, and connected to the Earth.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

Kathleen Dean Moore says that a sense of gratitude leads to a sense of moral obligation. Do you agree? How can we cultivate a sense of gratitude as individuals, and as a society?
Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:28 AM
Yeah, I agree. When we feel grateful for what we have like nature, people, and our lives we naturally want to take care of them. Gratitude makes us more aware and responsible. We can build it by spending time outside, helping others, and just taking a moment to appreciate what’s around us.

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- Brooklyn Holmes 101 11/06/2025 10:31 AM
  Gratitude is so important! From service workers, to family and friends, even the earth!
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Energy

What most interested or surprised you about your own energy footprint? What changes did you make or will you make?
Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:24 AM
I was surprised by how much energy things use even when they’re off, like chargers left plugged in. I’ve started unplugging them, turning off lights more, and using sunlight during the day. I also plan to switch to LED bulbs to save energy and money.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Energy

What did you learn about your digital habits that surprised you the most?
Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:19 AM
What surprised me most was how much energy simple digital activities actually use. I never realized that things like streaming videos or keeping too many emails stored could have such a big impact on CO₂ emissions. It made me see that my online habits like watching shows in HD or upgrading my phone too often can affect the environment just like physical actions do. I learned that using lower video quality, keeping my devices longer, and deleting old files can really help reduce my digital carbon footprint.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

How 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?
Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:14 AM
Eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat is good for your health, helps others, and benefits the planet. It lowers the risk of diseases, supports local farmers, and reduces pollution from meat production. It also saves resources like water and land. This week, I tried roasted sweet potatoes and fresh blueberries the sweet potatoes were my favorite because they were healthy, filling, and really tasty.

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Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:09 AM
It’s been going pretty well. I’ve been keeping up with a few simple habits, like turning off lights, reusing stuff, and walking instead of driving. It’s actually made me more aware of how much energy I use day to day. It’s cool seeing how small actions can make a real difference when everyone on campus gets involved.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Energy

What are other ways you could use the power of the sun to reduce your own environmental footprint?
Michael Zahorchak 103 11/06/2025 10:07 AM
The Shrink Your Dorm Paint article made me realize how small changes can really add up. Simple things like using LED lights, unplugging electronics, or air-drying clothes save energy and money while helping the planet. I liked how it showed that all student’s choices matter even one light bulb switch can make a difference. It also made me want to be more mindful about reusing stuff and wasting less. Overall, it inspired me to live a little greener in college.

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