Ecochallenge.org

2018 People's Ecochallenge

October 3 - October 24, 2018

Jenna Linssen

driftless angels

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
823 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

4.4

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

72

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

3.0

public officials or leaders

contacted
UP TO

96

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

990

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

245

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

40

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

2.0

documentaries

watched
UP TO

10

locally sourced meals

consumed

Jenna's actions

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 22
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Eat Mindfully

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

COMPLETED 22
DAILY ACTIONS

Health

Learn More about Food Deserts

I will spend 45 minutes learning about food deserts and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

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

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

I will keep 8 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Buy From a Farmers Market

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

COMPLETED
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

Food

Reduce Animal Products

I will enjoy 3 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Collect Rain Water

I will create a rain garden or bioswale, or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

COMPLETED
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

Waste

Use a Reusable Mug

I will avoid sending 6 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Switch to Cold Water

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of C02 over the course of the next year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Jenna Linssen 10/21/2018 11:46 AM
Today my roommates and I made one of the desserts I learned from learning about different healthy treats! It was delicious yet healthy!

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Jenna Linssen 10/21/2018 11:45 AM
Although we couldn’t choose a health action, I still chose one for something for me to work on instead of for the class. This involved happiness and writing down three things every day you are grateful for. This has helped me open up to more opportunities and realize everything I take for granted. It has helped me become more positive throughout this challenge

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

While water bottles serve an important role in places for health and safety, we can do more to reduce the unnecessary use of them. Can you identify the barriers in making this a new habit? How can you set yourself up for success in making this a permanent change?
Jenna Linssen 10/21/2018 11:43 AM
I think the most important change is the transition from using plastic water bottles to buying a BPA free reusable water bottle can help change the amount of bottles used drastically.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

What is one food choice that you make, or could make, that would do more good and less harm?
Jenna Linssen 10/21/2018 11:41 AM
Cutting out less meat options and replacing it with fresh, organic supplements like other vegetables and foods.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

What do you think contributes to people in North America eating more meat than in other places, and what does this say about North American values and ways of living? How do we start shifting a meat-focused food culture?
Jenna Linssen 10/18/2018 10:49 AM
The biggest thing I think is that American diets focus on junk food, fat food, and lots of meat. I think because of our unhealthy diet and continuous trips to fast food restaurants, we rely heavily on the meat consumption to satisfy our hunger in fast ways instead of realizing the harmful issues with the entire process of obtaining this meat. Overall, I think a large change needs to happen in American society to shift us in a better and healthier food direction.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

Maybe you've heard how good it is to switch from a single use coffee cup to a reuseable one but it's just hard to make the switch. Think about what stands in your way of making this a habit. By identifying the challenges, you can begin to work through them to have better success in taking this action. Knowing the difference you are making, how does it make you feel?
Jenna Linssen 10/17/2018 8:43 AM
While knowing I am reducing the amount of pollution in our waters and land (even if it’s just a little) it makes me happy knowing that I’m helping the earth still. Pollution is an overwhelming issue and every little support to fix it helps.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

How does/can practicing gratitude keep you centered and motivated to work for a better world?
Jenna Linssen 10/17/2018 8:40 AM
When I think of all of the things I’m grateful for and happy with in life, it makes me want to share that happiness with others. I think it helps to want to be more supportive of others and Increase the amount of acts of kindness one does.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity

Mindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How do your eating experiences differ when practicing mindfulness?
Jenna Linssen 10/17/2018 8:37 AM
When eliminating the use of technology and other distractions while eating makes one think about their day and connect to themselves in a way that doesn’t involve societal content. While practicing mindfulness while eating makes the experience more relaxing and enjoyable.

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