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April 1 - April 30, 2020
Matt A's avatar

Matt A

Saratoga Springs Public Library

"We are stardust We are golden And we've got to get ourselves Back to the garden - Joni Mitchell "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 891 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    advocacy action
    completed
  • UP TO
    14
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    1.0
    documentary
    watched
  • UP TO
    204
    gallons of water
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    590
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    60
    minutes
    spent outdoors

Matt's actions

Oceans

Learn about Our Oceans

I will spend at least 60 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

Research a Wild Animal

I will spend at least 60 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

Action Track: Earth Day Together!

Earth Day Action: Share Eco Tips

Through social media or on the Earth Day Ecochallenge feed, I will share my favorite environmentally friendly habit with my friends, even if it’s not an Earth Day action.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Building Resilience

Get Involved in the Water Justice Movement

I will spend at least 60 minutes a day using the resources provided to learn about water justice and find out how I can get involved in local initiatives.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Oceans

Smart Seafood Choices

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

Action Track: Building Resilience

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Building Resilience

Research Benefits of Biodiversity

I will spend at least 45 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

People

Spread the word socially

I will offer information or tips about ways to care for the environment to my family and friends.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Fresh Water

Conserve bathing water

I will use a water conserving shower head to minimize the amount of water I use when showering.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

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?


  • Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 5/04/2020 12:34 PM
    I learned that we have a lot of work ahead of us, but there are also lots of people who care and that small things can really add up and make a difference!

  • Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 5/01/2020 7:18 AM
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Action Track: Earth Day Together! Earth Day Action: Share Eco Tips
    What environmentally friendly habit have you most recently implemented? How do you ensure that you are successful in creating or changing a habit?

    Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 5/01/2020 7:11 AM
    Seeking products with less or no packaging and avoiding plastic materials. To ensure success, make small changes and don’t get frustrated if you make a mistake or if substitutes don’t work out. Also shop around for affordable options, don’t be turned off by the prices at the first place you look at.

  • Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/30/2020 3:22 PM
    This challenge has been great! I learned a lot, helped out the environment, enjoyed camaraderie with my coworkers, and got my mind off of Covid! 🌎
  • 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?

    Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/24/2020 12:25 PM
    I researched the Axolotl (pronounced “ax-oh-lot-ul”), which is sadly, critically endangered. The wild population is very close to extinction. It’s only natural habitat is Lake Xochimilco in Mexico, which has become inhospitable due to human changes to the integrity of the lake, pollution, and the introduction of predatory fish species. It mostly exists now in captivity as a pet or as a research animal in labs. It is of great interest to the scientific community due to its ability to regenerate body organs and lost limbs. It is also more resistant to cancer than mammals. It could be the key to understanding healing and regeneration in humans. Some other interesting facts include, that it is named after the Aztec god Xolotl and is a cultural symbol in Mexico. It uses gravel from its habitat to help digest food and regulate its buoyancy. Male and female Axolotls will dance with each other when mating!


    Researchers are trying to encourage natural breeding by building special shelters, and encouraging local conservation, but it might be too late.

    This is one more reason it’s so important to prevent water pollution and the destruction of natural habitats by human interference.

    If anyone knows of a group, fundraiser, or project that benefits the Axolotl, please post a link in a reply, I didn’t have much luck finding one that is Axolotl specific.

    They’re also ADORABLE!




  • Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/22/2020 1:37 PM
    Happy Earth Day everyone! I love you, Earth!

  • Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/15/2020 2:22 PM
    The challenge is going great and has reinvigorated my interest in saving the environment. I’ve learned a lot in just days!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Oceans Smart Seafood Choices
    Many 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?

    Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/14/2020 1:19 PM
    I don’t eat seafood, but if you do, I would definitely take the time to educate yourself about which fish are safer to eat, and what you can do to protect water ecosystems from becoming more polluted. Seafood fraud, poaching, industrial fish farming, dolphin safety and native fish species are some interesting and possibly astonishing topics to explore.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Action Track: Building Resilience Support Pollinators
    Why is it important to take care of pollinators?

    Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/14/2020 1:10 PM
    It’s important to take care of pollinators, because they are one of the most important links in the food chain. A large portion of harvested food relies on pollination. Pollinators also control the propagation of specific species of plants that make up animal diets and subsequently, ours.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Oceans Advocate For More Packaging Options
    What concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.

    Matt A's avatar
    Matt A 4/13/2020 8:13 AM
    Everything! What really frustrates me is how slow progress is, and things we should have known were bad all along. Also not caring if we cause the extinction of animal species and people in power making decisions based on greed. But there’s a lot of people who care, so there’s hope.