April 1 - April 30, 2020

Michael Pullano

"As a landscape architect, I believe I should be a steward of the environment and aspire through my work and everyday actions to protect and promote sustainability and the well-being of our world. "

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
1,136 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

85

conversations

with people
UP TO

360

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

33

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

23

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

765

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

765

minutes

not spent in front of a screen

Michael's actions

Oceans

Learn about Our Oceans

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about how our oceans support life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating climate, and providing habitat, food, and jobs.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 10 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

People

Connect While Social Distancing

I will connect with at least 1 person/people a day through phone call or video chat to support mine and other’s mental and emotional health during this challenging time.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Fresh Water

Conserve Toilet Water

I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Reduce Animal Products

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 0 vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Reduce Animal Products

Why do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our planet and other people?

Michael Pullano 4/30/2020 8:53 PM

The cost of producing meat is significantly higher compared to most other food products, which is why people in affluent countries can afford and eat more meat. Unfortunately, meat production harms the environment; some major negative effects include the unnatural amount of animal-produced methane polluting the atmosphere, as well as the excessive consumption of land.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
People Spend Time Outside

Rachel 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?

Michael Pullano 4/29/2020 6:48 PM

As a landscape architect, I love being outdoors. I especially love identifying plants while hiking with my girlfriend. Unfortunately, as much as I love being outside, I find myself confined indoors for so many hours of the day due to work and other necessary activities. I think it's important for me and everyone in our society to find more ways to spend time outside every day. I've tried to achieve this by having meetings outside or going for short walks during lunch and/or after work. If we don't make time to enjoy the outdoors at least once a day, I fear that we may lose our appreciation and connection with nature, and, with that, our love for the environment. How can we thrive and protect our environment if no one appreciates it anymore?

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REFLECTION QUESTION
People Connect While Social Distancing

How does connecting with others help your own mental and emotional health? How can it help support others?

Michael Pullano 4/28/2020 8:43 PM

Connecting with others during this time of social distancing is so important for keeping our humanity (and sanity). While reflecting on this, I can't help but think about the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks. Hanks' character is stranded alone on an uninhabited island after his FedEx cargo plane crashes into the ocean. One day, he recovers one of the plane's packages--a Wilson-brand volleyball. Eventually, he begins talking to the ball like it's another person. This relationship, albeit odd, prevents Hanks from losing his humanity and his hope. Researchers have said that loneliness can increase the risk of depression and mortality. We must continually remind each other that we are not alone in this pandemic--we are in this together, and there will always be hope.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Oceans Learn about Our Oceans

What 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?

Michael Pullano 4/27/2020 8:38 PM

The ocean provides habitat for thousands of species that play a key role in our planet's ecosystems. These species of plants and animals also serve as a food source for millions of people around the world. One easy way I can help take care of our ocean is by avoiding single-use plastic products and, instead, using reusable bags, Tupperware, refillable water bottles, etc.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Fresh Water Conserve Toilet Water

What would a sustainable water future in your region look like? What needs to change?

Michael Pullano 4/26/2020 5:21 PM

We have entered the era of "smart water." This new era should be one of
water equality and we need to address water illiteracy and make water visible again. We need to reimagine our idea of "clean water,” and stop using drinking water for things like flushing toilets and watering lawns. In the words of Charles Fishman, "even if we can't instantly and affordably change the world we live in, we can change the new world, the world we're building every day."

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?

Michael Pullano 4/25/2020 6:21 PM

I try my best every day to avoid wasting food. I hate the idea of throwing food away that could still be good to eat. I do my best to eat any leftovers before opening or purchasing new food; however, I used to be unsure about when exactly the foods I had would be considered truly expired. Now that I understand the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates, I am more confident knowing when the food I buy at the store and keep in my home is safe to eat, and I no longer have to discard food that I may have considered expired before understanding that difference.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Wildlife Support Pollinators

Why is it important to take care of pollinators?

Michael Pullano 4/24/2020 4:34 PM

Pollinators are essential in agriculture and responsible for the survival of the human race. Almost all of the foods produced from our agricultural system are created by crops pollinated by insects such as honey bees and butterflies. In fact, at least 75% of the world's food crops are dependent on pollinators. Fruits, chocolate, and coffee are just a few examples of the foods that wouldn't exist without pollinators. Currently, around 40% of the world's pollinators are facing extinction, which puts humans and as well as the environment in serious jeopardy. I believe it is critical that we protect the existence and well-being of pollinators no matter the cost.

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- Melissa Canaviri 4/27/2020 7:47 PM
  
  Very well put, most people don't realize this. More awareness needs to be brought to these powerful little creatures.
  
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Michael Pullano 4/08/2020 4:14 PM

I always knew the ocean was therapeutic, but now I understand the "science" behind it thanks to this Oceanpreneur article: "When our face touches water, our heart rate immediately slows down, and blood moves from the extremities to the brain, heart and vital organs of our body...It wakes us up and makes us feel vibrant and alive." Just another reason for us to take care of our oceans!

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