I did not realize the extent that plastic has been destroying our oceans, but I already avoid plastic as much as possible. When I must buy a product in plastic, I try to purchase the largest available item. I do wish that companies would find a better way to deliver our products. And yes, I have been using reusable bags since the early 1980"s.
Denise Feltes
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 644 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO4.0documentarieswatched
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UP TO740minutesspent learning
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UP TO1,115minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO1,115minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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UP TO5.0poundswaste composted
Denise's actions
Oceans
Learn about Our Oceans
I will spend at least 180 minutes learning about how our oceans support life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating climate, and providing habitat, food, and jobs.
Food
Compost Food Waste
I will avoid sending up to .69 lbs (.31 kg) of food waste to the landfill each day by composting my food or learning how to.
People
Earth Day Action: Research and Support Local Organizations
I will spend 120 minutes researching local organizations and businesses in my community, then support one of them by writing a testimonial or positive review, ordering curbside, making a donation to my favorite nonprofit, or supporting them in another way.
Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Action Track: Building Resilience
Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty
I will watch 3 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.
Forests
Plant a Vegetable Garden
I plan to plant and maintain a vegetable garden in my backyard. The preparing of the bed and planting of the vegetables will take 1 hour and the maintenance will take 5 to 15 minutes per day. I chose this action because I will enjoy the outdoors and fresh vegetables while feeling productive and satisfied.
People
Spend Time Outside
I will replace 30 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside that follows CDC guidelines for preventing disease spread.
Wildlife
Support Pollinators
At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators, including monarch butterflies, to produce fruit. I will spend 15 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.
Wildlife
Seek Alternative Gifts and Souvenirs
Bringing home unique souvenirs from trips you’ve enjoyed is meaningful, and giving people unique gifts from other places is fun. Seek souvenirs and gifts that support local communities and do not cause harm to the environment or wildlife.
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONOceans Learn about Our OceansWhat is one way in which oceans support your life on Earth? What is one way you can help take care of ocean health with your actions?
Denise Feltes 4/27/2020 12:53 PMOnly one way? The ocean is such an important part of our lives! When I lived on Long Island in Long Beach (yes, it was a long beach), my husband, my son, and I used to ride our bikes on the boardwalk (2.5 miles each way), and it was awesome! Exercise, beauty, fresh air, family time, and people watching! Plus the ocean gives us fresh air to breathe, and fish to eat. Just watching the waves is so relaxing.
I did not realize the extent that plastic has been destroying our oceans, but I already avoid plastic as much as possible. When I must buy a product in plastic, I try to purchase the largest available item. I do wish that companies would find a better way to deliver our products. And yes, I have been using reusable bags since the early 1980"s. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Compost Food WasteNew to composting? Be sure to check out the action resource links to learn tips and more about it. As you transition from throwing food away to composting, what do you notice about how much you are tossing? How will you use your compost once it is ready?
Denise Feltes 4/21/2020 10:34 AMComposting definitely reduces my garbage waste.
I would love to use my compose in my vegetable garden.
I tried composting a year ago but I did not understand the basics and especially the "Do Not" compost items. So far I have been more successful!!-
Denise Feltes 4/27/2020 9:59 AMThe most important thing I learned was what NOT to compost. Last year, I attempted food composting but it smelled so bad that I gave up. Now I understand what to compost and what not to compost. Brief description at: https://www.thespruce.com/what-to-compost-1709069At the very end, the article states:Remember that most composting experts advise a balance between green waste -- watery materials like fruits and vegetables, grass clippings and weeds -- and brown waste like dried leaves, sticks, fur, cloth, cardboard, and paper.
And aim for a 4-to-1 ratio of brown to green material. -
Denise Feltes 4/23/2020 11:21 AMTara, as part of my EcoChallenge and work for the library, I have been investigating and learning about food composting. Lisa B3 and I have been collaborating to introduce food composting at work so hopefully everyone at the library will learn. I will email some of the highlights :-) -
Tara Chhabra 4/22/2020 11:19 AMCan you share the secrets to your success? I'd be grateful for any tips!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONPeople Earth Day Action: Research and Support Local OrganizationsWhy is it important to support local organizations and businesses? How does it help to build a more resilient community?
Denise Feltes 4/20/2020 1:58 PMDuring COVID 19, our essential workers have been working everyday to help us, support us, care for us. I cannot imagine the courage and dedication that each person has displayed. I am not sure that I would rise to their bravery. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPeople Spend Time OutsideRachel Carson said that we need the beauty and mysteries of the natural world for our spiritual and emotional development. Does that ring true for you? What are the implications for a culture that spends most of its time indoors?
Denise Feltes 4/09/2020 9:19 AMWorking from home has shown me how confining staying indoors truly is. Yesterday, I sat outside with my 2 dogs while I viewed documentaries for food sovereignty. Working outside was awesome! (Of course, we also played and enjoyed nature.) Our culture encourages being indoors due to technology - kids playing on computers rather than playing outside, adults working on computers from home and jobs. We are becoming spiritually and emotionally stunted. Weekends and time off must include the beauty of our world.-
Jennifer Ferriss 4/09/2020 1:12 PMI can't wait to move the home office outside for at least half a day - when is that warm weather coming back?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Building Resilience Watch a Documentary about Food SovereigntyHow does food sovereignty address the complex agrarian transition to modern food systems?
Denise Feltes 4/09/2020 8:37 AMModern food systems came about from big corporations desire to make more money. They produced processed foods and GMO's for fast-paced America. Easy but negative effects for our bodies. Food sovereignty directly effects modern food systems since food sovereignty is the ability to grow/produce your own food. Much healthier since you know what you are putting into your body but in reality it is very difficult for most people to accomplish. Money and working full time are roadblocks to food sovereignty. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlife Seek Alternative Gifts and SouvenirsHow do your consumption choices affect the health of wildlife and other communities?
Denise Feltes 4/08/2020 8:08 AMI have been aware of criminal activities involving illegal poaching for many years. Killing animals for their fur, skin, or tusks is disgusting, and I refuse to purchase any of these items.
People living in the wilderness, like Alaska, use every part of the animals they kill for survival. I feel this is the only legal action. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlife Support PollinatorsWhy is it important to take care of pollinators?
Denise Feltes 4/06/2020 11:02 AMI usually do not think about the importance of pollinators but I do enjoy feeding hummingbirds along with all birds. I have separated my "regular" bird feeders from my hummingbird feeders to encourage more hummingbirds to feed in my yard. I wish I had a green thumb in order to grow flowering plants. My soil is sandy and I have killed many flowering plants. Lilies do seem to thrive in my yard.-
Denise Feltes 4/08/2020 8:36 AMI am researching tulip trees and other possibilities. Will let you know my decisions. -
Jennifer Ferriss 4/06/2020 1:39 PMWow - lilies are my deer herd's favorite, next to hosta and rhododendron. My biggest pollinator is my tulip tree; the bees buzz buzz buzz while in bloom. -
Denise Feltes 4/06/2020 11:06 AMReading about pollinators help me to understand their importance in our world. Without them, our world would not be able to sustain our ecosystem. All of God's creatures have purpose.
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