"I strive to live in harmony with this earth that I call home, the one and only that I've got, the one I love and want to save in any way I can: my writing, my art, and my action."
POINTS TOTAL
0
TODAY
0
THIS WEEK
404
TOTAL
participant impact
UP TO
300
minutes
spent outdoors
UP TO
165
minutes
being mindful
UP TO
300
minutes
not spent in front of a screen
UP TO
28
whole food meals
consumed
Janina's actions
Simplicity
Meditate
I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 15 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.
COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS
Nature
Spend Time Outside
I will replace 30 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.
COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS
Community
Support Native Communities
I will use the resource links provided and spend 20 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.
UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Food
Whole Foods Diet
I will enjoy 2 meal(s) each day free of processed foods.
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
Plant an Herb Garden
I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.
UNCOMPLETED
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?
REFLECTION
QUESTION
CommunitySupport Native Communities
Indigenous speaker and activist Winona LaDuke says that, "most indigenous ceremonies, if you look to their essence, are about the restoration of balance — they are a reaffirmation of our relationship to creation. That is our intent: to restore, and then to retain balance and honor our part in creation." Why is balance important to sustainability?
Balance is important in sustainability because it is the essence of being sustainable. What you take you give back. And what you give you receive back. The point of sustainability is to have a closed loop with no waste product - everything comes back together. Everything balances out.
We have lost touch with this balance. We eat from plastic containers and then throw them in the trash, serving only one purpose and then nothing else. We eat a banana and then toss the peel, not knowing its place in the circular system of compost that brings nutrients back to the soil. We cut trees and pollute rivers and pollute air, while these are the things that we must bring into our own bodies - the air we breathe, the water we drink.
Without balance, we destroy the restoration and the recirculation of all the resources that we will need again, year after year, season after season.
I agree with the statement. What we skimp on when it comes to our diet will eventually play out in our health. If we don't eat vegetables and survive solely off of chips this will come back to you in your body's health and ability to function. Feed your body the right foods, dish out the money for the organic, sustainable, and plant based and planet-wise foods (or grow your own) and you won't have to dish it out for the doctors later.
Eating whole foods feels so good. I've been able to cut back on lazy meals that aren't as nutritionally sound and actually fuel my body with healthy food. It helps that I'm already a plant based eater! Here I have couscous with peas, carrots, and onions (sautéed with water), cubed avocado, lemon juice, raw cashews, some salt and dried herbs. I would like to transition to largely locally bought produce/homegrown herbs as the next part of my challenge. Wish me luck! And if you guys have any tips on keeping a small indoor or outdoor herb garden let me know!
Being a part of the Climate Strike on September 20th has empowered me to keep the momentum going. Although I already do so much, to me, it's not enough. I want to challenge myself to push further! I want to challenge myself to tell other people about what else they can do. I want to actively spread the word on this Ecochallenge and involve my family, friends, and classmates.
I want a healthy planet. I want a happy planet. I am determined.
Your note really resonates with me. Lots of people are taking small steps but the key is to keep taking them and pushing further. We're on this journey together!
