Fran Suarez

Saratoga Springs Public Library

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
423 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

12

conversations

with people
UP TO

12

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

1.0

documentary

watched
UP TO

185

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

37

pieces of litter

picked up

Fran's actions

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Research a Wild Animal

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about a wild animal I find interesting, including their life cycle, habitat, ecosystem functions, and interactions with humans (if any!).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

People

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day while following the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Forests

Use a Reusable Mug

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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?

Fran Suarez 4/30/2020 10:00 AM

Thank you for the eco challenge. One thing I want to begin doing at my new place is composting. Why can't I get started? All I did in my old place was select a space in the woods on the edge of the yard. Put all vegetable and fruit scraps there. Cover with a little soil now and then. Easy peasy. The soil created, or mulch I guess, was so rich and beautiful. Used it on the vegetable garden.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty

How does food sovereignty address the complex agrarian transition to modern food systems?

Fran Suarez 4/29/2020 11:53 AM

I remember big tubs of peanut butter and blocks of cheese. Didn't know they were called commodities. It makes me feel sad that indigenous people lost the natural life they lived. Forced onto reservations. Where they couldn't fish and hunt. Now people are getting back to there roots through food. Locally grown healthy food. In the video Food Sovereignty it was nice to see all the children getting involved.

Read More
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?

Fran Suarez 4/29/2020 10:24 AM

It helps to talk things out with others

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Wildlife Research a Wild Animal

What interesting facts did you learn about the animal you researched? What are some of your favorite things about this animal?

Fran Suarez 4/28/2020 9:13 AM

One insect, praying mantis, has always fascinated me. 40 years ago, I was told by someone not to harm them as they were endangered. The article provided says they are not endangered. So that is good. Like spiders, the female eats her mate. Geez. They eat lots of other insects, but I hope they also eat ticks.

My second inanimal researched is the Hawksbill Turtle. I was drawn to its beauty. Sadly, it turns out, others are also drawn to it for its beautiful shell. Hawksbill turtles are now protected; but not before many were killed just for their shells. Other issues are habitat loss, the sponge they love to eat is dying off as the oceans warm, they get caught in fishing nets. Hopefully they can make a strong comeback. It seems like they have a chance because awareness has been raised in the areas where they live. The local people must do the work to save them.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Wildlife Research Benefits of Biodiversity

How can you encourage biodiversity by your own actions?

Fran Suarez 4/27/2020 10:50 AM

Biodiversity is such a complex topic. Technically every action encourages biodiversity. When I plant my flowers, I use a variety of plants that local birds and insects need to survive. When I clean up in my yard, it allows natural vegetation to grow. One thing I could start doing is composting vegetable scraps. Not sure where I can do that in my new place.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Forests Use a Reusable Mug

Maybe you've heard how good it is to switch from a single use coffee cup to a reusable one, but it's just hard to make the switch. 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?

Fran Suarez 4/19/2020 1:42 PM

At work, it's actually harder because I buy coffee there in a single use cup. I reuse those cups for water. At home it's no problem . I am actually more concerned about the stirrers because of the harm to wildlife .

Read More
Fran Suarez 4/17/2020 9:07 AM

Hi, Team, such a great group. Remember our roadside cleanups from long ago? This reminds me of that time. Happy Earth Day coming soon. Fran

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
People Keep My Community Clean

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

Fran Suarez 4/17/2020 9:00 AM

We all have a cleaner environment

Read More