Create more environmental + social good. Join the Earth Day Ecochallenge!

April 1 - April 30, 2020

ERUUF Earth Justice Feed

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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?

Beverly Wedda 4/30/2020 7:55 PM

I've again enjoyed this year's eco challenge. While I wasn't checking in as consistently as I would have liked to, I again learned a lot in the resources I looked at, and have a list of more I want to look into. While COVID19 restrictions helped this, I've really enjoyed only getting in my car to go to and from work now. I'd rather be taking the bus, but right now driving my electric vehicle seems like a safer and reasonable option. While we haven't yet planted an eco friendly garden at our home, we are working with a master gardener to create plans, and will be doing so in the fall. The eco challenge was supportive in moving us along in this goal we've had.

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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?

Beverly Wedda 4/30/2020 7:51 PM

I researched a couple of my favorite animals with the time I allotted to this activity, and even a couple more. A couple of my favorites are otters and red tailed hawks. I learned how the otter anatomy makes them powerful swimmers, and how they crack open shellfish to eat them. I have a better understanding of the wingspan of the red tailed hawk, and where they like to hang out to watch for prey.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Oceans Learn about Our Oceans

What is one way in which oceans support your life on Earth? What is one way you can help take care of ocean health with your actions?

Beverly Wedda 4/30/2020 7:46 PM

Oceans are a big part of the carbon cycle, and they contribute to temperature regulation. I didn't realize they were 70% of our surface. I need to keep doing my part to keep various forms of pollution out of our oceans.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Action Track: Building Resilience Connect While Social Distancing

How does connecting with others help your own mental and emotional health? How can it help support others?

Cheryl Turney 4/30/2020 7:12 PM

Connecting with others helps me feel grounded and part of a larger reality than that of my own small space. Others are likely also to feel more grounded and part of a larger reality when connecting.

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Thomas Fletcher 4/30/2020 6:43 PM

This has been a fun and productive EcoChallenge, despite the limitations due to Covid-19. I've taken some practical actions and learned a number of things I otherwise would not have. I've initiated some new positive habits that I see no reason why I cannot continue. It's been enjoyable to read the reflections of my teammates on the actions they have taken. And appreciative of consideration and inclusion of activities related directly to Covid-19. The best to all who have participated.

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Denise Frizzell 4/30/2020 2:53 PM

Wow, the last day of our 2020 EcoChallenge--good job, Team ERUUF!! Thanks, Tom for leading us again this year! I'm excited to share that I/we (Bev and I) have a few sustainability actions in the works in addition to an eco-friendly flower garden--a green kitchen remodeling project. For our green kitchen remodeling project, we are refurbishing our cabinets (stipping (Franmar Soy-Based Stripper) and staining (TimberSoy), replacing our countertops with a solid surface that consists of recycled polyester (Durat), changing the faucet to low-flow, and replacing a light fixture to LED. Just think--with every choice in our lives, we have the opportunity to live more sustainably and positively contribute to our common future!

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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?

Betsy Bickel 4/30/2020 10:40 AM

There was a lot of contradictory advice in what I read. However I think farmed tilapia, sardines and wild salmon were okayed by most sources and that is mostly what we eat when we eat seafood. There is a local fish CSA but we don't eat enough fish to justify that.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Forests Explore My Area

How can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place?

Betsy Bickel 4/30/2020 10:38 AM

I have been exploring my back yard which has been buried in bamboo for at least 35 years.
It is now mostly liberated and I am enjoying the view of a beautiful elm tree and imagining planting fruit trees when the bamboo roots die (in about 6 months).

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?

Betsy Bickel 4/30/2020 10:36 AM

It means I don't have to throw out food that may be fine to eat. It's clear that most of these dates are fairly arbitrary and not indicative of safety.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Reduce Animal Products

Why do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our planet and other people?

Betsy Bickel 4/30/2020 10:34 AM

Eating meat is hard on the planet as it uses way more water and land and crops for feed. It also generates much more global warming gases. Meat is generally more expensive than vegetables and fruit so as income rises people can afford it more and it is seen as being a status symbol.

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