Ecochallenge.org

2019 People's Ecochallenge

October 2 - October 23, 2019

Christian Reifsteck

Mindfully Sustainable, Koru @ SU

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
566 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.0

energy audit

conducted
UP TO

35

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

30

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

10

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

600

pounds of CO2

have been saved

Christian's actions

High Impact Action Track

Research Impact Investing

Simplicity

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Meditate

I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 10 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

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

Nature

Explore My Area

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Go get a check up

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion

I will spend 10 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Happiness

I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for, or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Online Energy Audit

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Buy Used Clothes

I will spend 10 minutes learning about the perils of fast fashion and will buy my clothes at second-hand stores when I shop.

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

Create Your Own Action

meditation through music

Play my instruments for 10 minutes per day.

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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Energy Online Energy Audit

What most interested or surprised you about your own energy footprint?

Christian Reifsteck 10/23/2019 5:54 AM

I use 90% less electricity than the typical American household, but there are still things I can do, like wrapping my water heater pipes and continue to wrap my windows, even though I got a few new ones last year.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
High Impact Action Track Research Impact Investing

How might impact investing help you better live your values?

Christian Reifsteck 10/22/2019 7:23 AM

I had previously researched my investments a few years ago to know exactly what companies are in my funds, but I am now in the process of researching more environmentally friendly funds to invest in. I am glad for the EcoChallenge reminder to research options and move my money. Thanks!

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?

Christian Reifsteck 10/18/2019 11:32 AM

I had originally planned to take a trip abroad over Fall Break, but decided to stay home and enjoy the fall in the States with hiking and working in my yard. I love to fly and travel, but have been having a hard time lately reconciling the damage planes incur.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Simplicity Buy Used Clothes

Do people with economic privilege have a responsibility to consume and own less? How can the concept of "reduce" be presented to those who may be struggling to have enough food, clothes, shelter?

Christian Reifsteck 10/16/2019 12:57 PM

I read the articles accompanying this challenge and was shocked (or not) to learn from Karen Hackett's HuffPost article that "we’re buying 400 percent more clothes than we bought even 20 years ago." Wow! That's a lot of clothes. That's too many clothes. I already rarely buy clothes, so I'm positive that I'm not at that 400%, and if I do, I always turn to a thrift store, but this information has made me more mindful of future potential purchases.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature Explore My Area

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

Christian Reifsteck 10/15/2019 7:43 AM

When I spend time out in my yard gardening, I feel a stronger sense of connection to my home, and when I spend time outside hiking, I feel a stronger connection to our geographic location. We live in a beautiful area with an abundance of natural places. I'm grateful for our free, beautiful, and abundant state park system and natural areas.

Read More
Christian Reifsteck 10/10/2019 12:21 PM

I am using this opportunity as motivation to do the things I want to be doing, like playing my instruments more frequently. It's relaxing and meditative for me, so I'm glad to have the chance to set the intention to play more frequently. If you hear a Native American flute through the streets of Selinsgrove some evenings, that just might be me! Thanks.

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?

Christian Reifsteck 10/08/2019 10:58 AM

Turn off lights when not in use, not use air conditioning, turn down the heat, not use the heat until necessary,... Doing all of these things saves money, too. Yes!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Health Go get a check up

How do you practice self care?

Christian Reifsteck 10/08/2019 10:54 AM

I practice self care in a variety of ways: getting 8 hours of sleep per night, eating three healthy meals per day, limiting unhealthy foods,... Self care is essential to a happy, healthy, productive, and fulfilling life. Well, at least for me. Thanks!

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