Mackenzie Patterson
"Learn and grow for a better future"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 639 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
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UP TO8.0conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO8.0meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO480minutesspent learning
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UP TO870minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO870minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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UP TO1.0public official or leadercontacted
Mackenzie's actions
Food
Reduce Animal Products
I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
Fresh Water
Eco-friendly Gardening
I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.
Climate
Local Climate Issues
I will spend at least 30 minute(s) a day researching climate issues or climate solutions in my local area and share with others through my team feed, social media, or conversations with my peers.
Oceans
Advocate For More Packaging Options
Plastic packaging can clog our water ways and the stomachs of sea creatures. I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.
Wildlife
Research Benefits of Biodiversity
I will spend at least 60 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.
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 60 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.
People
Support A Sharing Economy
To reduce my consumption and waste and support my community, I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.
Food
Advocate For More Food Options
Access to affordable, nutritious food is a food justice issue. I will advocate for local and/or organic food options in my state and/or community.
Food
Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty
I will watch 1 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.
People
Spend Time Outside
I will replace 15 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside that follows CDC guidelines for preventing disease spread.
People
Connect While Social Distancing
I will connect with at least 2 person/people a day through phone call or video chat to support mine and other’s mental and emotional health during this challenging time.
Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Oceans
Learn about Our Oceans
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about how our oceans support life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating climate, and providing habitat, food, and jobs.
Forests
Forest-Friendly Foods
I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.
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 QUESTIONWildlife Research Benefits of BiodiversityHow can you encourage biodiversity by your own actions?
Mackenzie Patterson 4/07/2020 11:56 AMI can avoid using pesticides and herbicides and encourage the growth of native plants. I can purchase heirloom seeds of multiple varieties to avoid monocropping while working with my garden. I can also advocate for others to do the same. I've started getting rid of large portions of lawn at my parents' home to encourage growth of plants that aren't grass. -
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?
Mackenzie Patterson 4/03/2020 2:25 PMI would agree with that statement. I think I can really feel my smallness when I'm exploring natural areas. Even when I am gardening it becomes more evident. It makes me happier and calmer, but also reminds me of how much we depend on our home to take care of us and protect us. I think in the US we have a major focus on one specific type of success, it is rooted into our culture. That success does not care if you are happy or if you destroy something along the way. It is the reason that we spend so much time inside. I think if we started defining success differently and allowed individuals to truly decide what matters to them rather than continuing the pressure to meet our societal norm, we would see many more people outside. -
Mackenzie Patterson 4/02/2020 7:43 AMSo far, so good! I've been taking a bit of time out of my schedule every day to educate myself on everything I am attempting to do here. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONForests Forest-Friendly FoodsHow difficult or easy was it to change your diet?
Mackenzie Patterson 4/02/2020 7:40 AMI didn't have much trouble eliminating the problem areas of my diet. I already avoid foods that contain palm oil to the best of my ability and I do not consume coffee. I didn't know about the impacts of cocoa, that surprised me. I do like to drink hot chocolate, but I've eliminated that from my diet. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONOceans Smart Seafood ChoicesMany 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?
Mackenzie Patterson 4/01/2020 5:25 PMI think my diet choices for the most part follow these guidelines. I need to be watchful of where my seafood is coming from to make sure. I also need to work with my family to stop our tradition of crabbing on the SC coast as we usually catch a few blue crabs for dinner, which does not meet the guidelines. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Advocate For More Food OptionsWhat efforts would help food insecure regions have access to local, seasonal foods?
Mackenzie Patterson 4/01/2020 5:19 PMBuilding and supporting community gardens and public food forests could help food insecure regions to have regular access to local and seasonal food while also teaching skills needed for self sufficiency in the future. Supporting a sharing economy among neighbors could also help food insecure areas. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFresh Water Eco-friendly GardeningWhat are the most prominent water concerns in your area? Examples include drought, flooding, pollution, access, security, and privatization.
Mackenzie Patterson 4/01/2020 5:15 PMThe most prominent water concerns that I have found for both cities that I live in are water quality/safety and flooding. Greenville has a history of dumping chemicals into our main river, so even though our water quality tests usually come out well, some people remain concerned. That river does tend to flood, leaving water and waste in nearby shops. Columbia is known to flood as well. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWildlife Support PollinatorsWhy is it important to take care of pollinators?
Mackenzie Patterson 4/01/2020 5:06 PMPollinators are a large part of a complex chain of events that give us most of our plant based products. They support flowering plants that provide oxygen, purify water, and prevent erosion. They are intelligent and we could learn so much from them. We've planted more Southern Magnolia, Carolina Jessamine, Basil, Zinnia, and Cosmos flowers to support our local pollinators.