Matt A
"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
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UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
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UP TO14disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO204gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO590minutesspent learning
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UP TO60minutesspent 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.
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!).
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.
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.
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
Use a Reusable Mug
If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.
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.
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.
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.
People
Spread the word socially
I will offer information or tips about ways to care for the environment to my family and friends.
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.
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.
Fresh Water
Conserve bathing water
I will use a water conserving shower head to minimize the amount of water I use when showering.
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.
Fresh Water
Conserve Toilet Water
I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.
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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Matt A 5/04/2020 12:34 PMI 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 5/01/2020 7:18 AM -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Earth Day Together! Earth Day Action: Share Eco TipsWhat environmentally friendly habit have you most recently implemented? How do you ensure that you are successful in creating or changing a habit?
Matt A 5/01/2020 7:11 AMSeeking 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 4/30/2020 3:22 PMThis 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 QUESTIONWildlife Research a Wild AnimalWhat interesting facts did you learn about the animal you researched? What are some of your favorite things about this animal?
Matt A 4/24/2020 12:25 PMI 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!
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Matt A 4/22/2020 1:37 PMHappy Earth Day everyone! I love you, Earth! -
Matt A 4/15/2020 2:22 PMThe challenge is going great and has reinvigorated my interest in saving the environment. I’ve learned a lot in just days! -
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?
Matt A 4/14/2020 1:19 PMI 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 QUESTIONAction Track: Building Resilience Support PollinatorsWhy is it important to take care of pollinators?
Matt A 4/14/2020 1:10 PMIt’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 QUESTIONOceans Advocate For More Packaging OptionsWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Matt A 4/13/2020 8:13 AMEverything! 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.