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April 1 - April 30, 2020
Ann Ganter's avatar

Ann Ganter

High Meadow-Hudson Valley

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 712 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    28
    miles
    traveled by foot
  • UP TO
    368
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    34
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    3,490
    minutes
    not spent in front of a screen
  • UP TO
    28
    miles
    not traveled by car
  • UP TO
    3,610
    minutes
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    15
    hours
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    2.0
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    276
    gallons of water
    have been saved

Ann's actions

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

Climate

Local Climate Issues

I will spend at least 15 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.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Oceans

Support Organic Growing Methods

I will buy organic cotton and foods grown without the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Action Track: Building Resilience

Spend Time Outside

I will replace 60 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 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Climate

Use Muscle Power

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

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

Eco-friendly Gardening

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

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

Action Track: Building Resilience

Volunteer in my Community

I will volunteer 15 hour(s) in my community helping people who are most at need right now, including elderly and immunocompromised people, people without childcare, and people whose jobs have been affected by social distancing measures.

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?


  • Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/30/2020 2:02 PM
    I love this challenge and this year I was able to share it with my thoughtful world conscientious 4th grader.  To think about all the little details that add up to a healthier environment gives me hope.  Thank you!!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Oceans Support Organic Growing Methods
    It is often said that “you can’t feed the world with just organic food.” What is your response to that statement?

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/29/2020 12:02 PM
    We can start by supporting our local farmers and sourcing our foods within 100 miles.  Let's start there and then maybe there would be more food to provide people in need. vs. the giant farmers thousands of miles from here.
  • 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.

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/27/2020 4:03 AM
    The cycle of how we live our lives and put up with the standards we live.  The majority of homes are built with standards that force us to purchase propane/oil each year to heat our water and heat our homes.  We drive gas guzzling cars. Our food travels the world to be wrapped in plastic at our grocery stores.  It all starts with us to make the little changes and ask our local governments to pass thoughtful laws that are not guided by big business.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Fresh Water Eco-friendly Gardening
    What are the most prominent water concerns in your area? Examples include drought, flooding, pollution, access, security, and privatization.

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/27/2020 3:56 AM
    Water quality is a major concern in the Hudson valley.  We are lucky that we have so much water, but the run off from farm lands, leaking septic fields and turbulence from the reservoirs add up to changing the natural balance.

  • Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/27/2020 3:48 AM
    Jen Metger our State Senator brought this bill to be passed.  Votes are 9 yay & 4 nay right now.  This would mean that we as a community could not be so wasteful for Momiji lunches!!!  Black plastic is an end of the line plastic and goes directly in the landfill.  It would be incredible if we could find other ways to dine and not be adding to our waste.

    S6813 (ACTIVE) - SUMMARY

    Requires food service establishments to permit the use of reusable beverage and food containers provided by customers when requesting a beverage refill or requesting leftovers from a partially consumed meal to be packaged and post signs to inform customers that they are permitted to do so.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Forests Explore My Area
    How can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place?

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/16/2020 6:48 AM
    Wow, I'm reminded how grateful I am to live in the gorgeous Hudson valley.  The gifts of wildlife, fresh water, clean air and ever changing diverse fauna.  Being outside has always shown me my gifts of bravery, awareness and connection.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate Local Climate Issues
    In what ways is your local community resilient to shock events like we’ve experienced recently? How could you help it become more resilient?

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/02/2020 8:03 AM
    Our farmers and people who believe in their communities our the Hudson valley strengths.  I would love to see more opportunities for underprivileged families get better health care, food and education to level their opportunities.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate Use Muscle Power
    How do your transportation choices affect your engagement in your community? Does your experience or enjoyment differ while walking, riding transit, biking or driving?

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/02/2020 8:00 AM
    I could walk or ride a bike in the Hudson Valley any day.  This place is charmed and perfect for alternative travel.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Climate Choose Renewable Energy or Purchase Renewable Energy Credits
    Your 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?

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/02/2020 7:58 AM
    We installed solar panels that will provide enough energy for our heating, electricity and some extra to give back to the grid.  We chose to use more electricity instead of fossil fuels to heat our homes, water and future driving.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Action Track: Building Resilience 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?

    Ann Ganter's avatar
    Ann Ganter 4/02/2020 7:56 AM
    Yes,  I cherish my childhood running through the woods, building dams, and playing in the fields.  I find connection with that quiet, creative, watching feeling of being in nature a necessity of finding balance and perspective