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Welcome to 2019 People's Ecochallenge!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an 2019 People's Ecochallenge expert in no time!

Ecochallenge.org
2019 People's Ecochallenge
October 2 - October 23, 2019
Heather Macdonald's avatar

Heather Macdonald

Detroit Sustainability Club

"To further my impact, one change at a time."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 604 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    28
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    124
    miles
    not traveled by car
  • UP TO
    124
    miles
    traveled by bike
  • UP TO
    30
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    266
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    8.0
    pounds of paper
    have been saved

Heather's actions

Simplicity

Research Impact Investing

Using the links provided below, I will research impact investing and determine if it is right for me.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Research My Investment Portfolio

I will find out what stocks and bonds are in my investment account portfolio to determine if they align with my values (e.g. environmental, social responsibility, community).

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Power Down the Computer

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Choose Two-Sided Printing

I will save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper each day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Turn it off

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Buy From a Farmers Market

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Reduce Animal Products

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

High Impact Action Track

Stay on the Ground

Transportation

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Go by Bike

I will commute by bike 31 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to 19.19 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

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?

  • Heather Macdonald's avatar
    Heather Macdonald 10/17/2019 9:31 AM
    Wow, only one week left! Super excited by the impacts of the Detroit team. Let's show Portland how much of an impact we can truly give!
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    High Impact Action Track Stay on the Ground
    What was your process like for restructuring your trip? How can you avoid more air travel in the future?
    Heather Macdonald's avatar
    Heather Macdonald 10/14/2019 10:05 AM
    Time compensation for things like rest stops, traffic and daylight time need to be considered, as well as total wanted time at that destination. 

    Can avoid more air travel in the future by carpooling to events, as well keeping an easy log on past trips to have more realistic trip planning.
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Transportation Go by Bike
    How do your transportation choices affect your engagement in your community? Does your experience differ while walking, riding transit, biking, or driving?
    Heather Macdonald's avatar
    Heather Macdonald 10/07/2019 8:43 AM
    Really did 62 miles yesterday on the Macomb Orchard trail, but can't put more than 50, so I'll break it up into two days to show my impact compared to car. 

    Feels more relaxing and time seems slower as you're more aware of your environment. Easier to feel the connection with other bikers. Definitely feel more connection than when driving, for example.
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Energy Turn it off
    How is electricity generated where you live? How does it impact the environment, animals, and humans?
    Heather Macdonald's avatar
    Heather Macdonald 10/03/2019 6:53 AM
    Electricity is largely governed by DTE in the area.

    From their site, "Our DTE Electric subsidiary generates and distributes electricity to 2.2 million customers in southeastern Michigan. With an 11,084 megawatt system capacity, the company uses coal, nuclear fuel, natural gas, hydroelectric pumped storage and renewable sources to generate its electrical output."

    Hydroelectric and renewable sources are likely the least impactful to the environment, however I know that wind turbines have a potential to impact flight of birds. 

    Land space required and the equivalent roads for workers and transport would impact the animals and environment by changing the environmental landscape. 
    Read More
  • Heather Macdonald's avatar
    Heather Macdonald 10/02/2019 7:12 AM
    Excited for the start of the challenge! Wish you all happy learning and if there are any issues with the system, feel free to reach out to myself or Tony Hill (captain). 

    Let's show the world our impact. 
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Energy Power Down the Computer
    What are other easy things you could do to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint?
    Heather Macdonald's avatar
    Heather Macdonald 10/02/2019 6:42 AM
    -turn of lights when not in the room. 
    -unplug electrical devices or use a power strip and turn off when not using
    -turn temperature slightly down on refrigerator and freezer
    Read More