Ecochallenge.org

2018 People's Ecochallenge

October 3 - October 24, 2018

Lauren Johnson

200 West Adams

Points Total

0 Today
0 This Week
408 Total

Participant Impact

up to

180

minutes

being mindful
up to

3.0

plastic straws

not sent to the landfill
up to

180

minutes

spent learning

Lauren's Actions

Simplicity

Meditate

I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 60 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

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 who produce my food in other regions of the world to make better choices when I shop.

Completed
One-Time Action

Health

Know My health

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

Uncompleted
One-Time Action

Food

Try a New Way to Prep

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

Completed
One-Time Action

Food

Smart Seafood Choices

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Find Local Recycling Depots

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

Uncompleted
One-Time Action

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

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

Completed
One-Time Action

Waste

Skip the Straw

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Explore My Area

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

Uncompleted
One-Time Action

Health

Happiness

I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for, or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Create Your Own Action

I will look into purchasing makeup and hygiene products that are not tested on animals.

I have a love for animals. I cleanse daily and want to research how many products I use that harm animals. I would like to significantly reduce the number of products and hope to eliminate those products completely over time.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Feed

Lauren Johnson 10/23/2018 7:28 AM

I researched cosmetics I use daily to see if they were tested on animals. Fortunately, almost all of the products I use are Cruelty-Free! Two products I use that test on animals are Clinique and L'Oreal (very well known brands). I know majority of my friends use those products and they are pricey. Check out some alternative products that are not only more affordable but save the lives of innocent animals in this article: https://bit.ly/2CZOnAy

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Reflection Question
Energy Adjust the Thermostat

Your utility company is able to tell you your average energy usage. Ask them how your energy usage compares to others in your zipcode, and in your state. What other steps can you take each day to reduce your electricity usage?

Lauren Johnson 10/23/2018 7:17 AM

We turn off our air/heat whenever we are not in our apartment. We receive a lot of sunlight from the floor to ceiling windows so we make sure to close the blinds when it is warm and when the temperature drops to keep them open. We have not turned on our heat/air in the past two weeks and are still continuing this pattern.

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Reflection Question
Food Smart Seafood Choices

Many states and countries have advisories on eating fish. Find out what is advised for your region. Do you think your diet choices fall within these guidelines? What steps do you need to take to make sure that they do?

Lauren Johnson 10/11/2018 10:10 AM

I found this website very useful and passed it along to my family members.

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Reflection Question
Food Meet My Local Farmers

When you know who produces your food, you are connecting personally to your complex regional food system. What are the advantages of knowing who produces your food and where it comes from? Do you think this might enable someone to advocate for a better quality of life for those who produce their food, both near and far?

Lauren Johnson 10/10/2018 12:35 PM

October 9th I took a walk to the nearby farmers market on my lunch break. I was astonished when I saw that spaghetti squash was only $2. I love spaghetti squash! Living in the Loop of Chicago I typically have to pay $5-$6ea. I asked the owner of the farm (Smit Farms) if the price was by the pound and she stated that they were $2 each. I always thought that farmers markets would be more expensive than supermarkets but I was proved wrong. Locally grown and affordable? It was a win, win! I plan to check out more local farmers markets in the near future.

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Reflection Question
Food Plant an Herb Garden

Consider the ways you can garden: a plot of land? a patio container? hanging basket? windowsill gardens? What would work best for your living situation and lifestyle?

Lauren Johnson 10/09/2018 9:36 AM

I potted an assortment of herbs (basil, thyme, mint) over the weekend and placed them on my windowsill. Not only do they add a pretty element to the room but I know that they have not been tampered with added chemicals.

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Lauren Johnson 9/12/2018 2:47 PM

Welcome to the 200 West Adams Team!

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