Abigail Schelonka
4/27/2020 9:49 PM
It was rather difficult to change my diet as I have eaten a certain way my whole life, and this is also the way my family eats.
Abigail Schelonka
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 816 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO20conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO4.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO225minutesspent learning
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UP TO940minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO905minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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UP TO37plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
Abigail's actions
Action Track: Building Resilience
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.
Forests
Personal Waste Audit
I will collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.
Climate
Choose Renewable Energy or Purchase Renewable Energy Credits
I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.
Climate
Choose LED Bulbs
I will replace 3 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Forests
Explore My Area
I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area while following CDC guidelines for social distancing.
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.
Wildlife
Research Benefits of Biodiversity
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.
Fresh Water
Dishwasher Efficiency
I will scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Fresh Water
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 3 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Fresh Water
Eco-friendly Gardening
I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.
Action Track: Building Resilience
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.
Action Track: Building Resilience
Research Local Climate Issues
I will spend at least 20 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.
Action Track: Building Resilience
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.
Food
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
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 QUESTIONForests Forest-Friendly FoodsHow difficult or easy was it to change your diet?
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Sofia Fick 4/28/2020 1:08 PMHey Abigail!
I'm Sofia, and I'm the U of M Department of Sustainability intern this semester! As earth month and the eco challenge wrap up, I'm reaching out to some of the team members who have been extremely active throughout the challenge, in hopes of writing a little blog post for the Institute on the Environment about the participants! It would be amazing to start a little email exchange with you, to chat about who you are, why you've been so active, and what the eco challenge has brought to your life this month! Other topics of discussion are welcomed, of course. My email is fick0054@umn.edu. If you'd like to contact me, that's great! If not, and you'd prefer I contact you, I can do that! Just reply to this comment with your email. If you don't want to period, that's totally okay as well! Keep me posted, Both the earth and I are proud of your hard work this month:)
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REFLECTION QUESTIONForests Explore My AreaHow can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:48 PMIt can make you feel pride in your community knowing what it provides to everyone. Spending more time outside can also make you feel like you belong because nature is so calming and peaceful. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Learn the Truth About Expiration DatesHow does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:46 PMKnowing the differences helps me to know when foods are actually no good anymore vs when foods should sold by vs when they taste the best. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONClimate Choose Renewable Energy or Purchase Renewable Energy CreditsYour utility company is able to tell you your average energy usage. Ask them how your energy usage compares to others in your ZIP code, region, and/or state. What other steps can you take each day to reduce your electricity usage?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:44 PMWe use energy star appliances to help use less electricity as well as unplugging appliances when we are not using them. We always turn off lights when they are not needed. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONClimate Choose LED BulbsChanging lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! In what other ways can you exercise your civic duty to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:42 PMI can make sure that I always turn off the lights and water when I do not need them. My family can also buy energy star appliances to help save energy. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Building Resilience 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?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:40 PMBeing outside helps me to feel more at peace and relaxed. I mostly ride my horse when I am outside and it is the most calming experience for me. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Building Resilience Research Local Climate IssuesIn what ways is your local community resilient to shock events like we’ve experienced recently? How could you help it become more resilient?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:39 PMLiving in a small city means that a large toll has been taken on the local businesses, but my community has been supporting them they best they can so they can stay open. We can continue to support our local businesses to help them through this difficult time. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Building Resilience Connect While Social DistancingHow does connecting with others help your own mental and emotional health? How can it help support others?
Abigail Schelonka 4/27/2020 9:37 PMConnecting with others helps me to stay positive and remember that we are all in this together. Connecting also helps me to miss my friends a little less.