Matt Dempsey
10/23/2019 7:59 AM
Last night I pickled a huge red cabbage that I was running out of time to use. Safe to say it will last me a while now!
Matt Dempsey
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 601 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO175minutesspent learning
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UP TO10minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO14plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO16pounds of CO2have been saved
Matt's actions
Community
Talk To My Friends and Colleagues
I will research the social or environmental issues in my community that matter to me and tell 1 friends and/or colleagues each day about what I learn.
Simplicity
Meditate
I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 10 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.
Food
Try a New Way to Prep
I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.
High Impact Action Track
Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns
Health
I will spend 20 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, their causes, and local initiatives to address these concerns.
Waste
Reduce Single-Use Disposables
Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.
Health
Learn More about Food Deserts
I will spend 20 minutes learning about food deserts and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.
Waste
Visit a Waste Management Facility
I will spend at least 120 minutes visiting a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about the waste stream.
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.
Energy
Adjust the Thermostat
I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Try a New Way to PrepCanning and pickling food is a great way to have delicious summer fruits and vegetables all year round. Just make sure to follow the canning and pickling guidelines from the USDA. What are some foods that you would like to preserve and enjoy later in the year?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONHigh Impact Action Track Learn About Local Environmental Justice ConcernsWho is most affected by environmental degration and/or environmental irresponsiblity in your community? How are they affected?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Visit a Waste Management FacilityField trip! What a fun way to learn about our impact and consumption! What facility did you visit? What did you learn? Did you take anyone with you?
Matt Dempsey 10/08/2019 1:48 PMToday I visited the Five Star recycling facility in Queens which processes waste from commercial buildings. The CEO of Five Star was explaining the difficulties experienced in the recycling market since China banned waste imports. The value of recyclables is not only dependent on material type (for example, aluminum is worth more than glass) but also on how clean it is. Bales of cardboard, paper, plastic, glass or metal can drop up to 80% in value if the content is deemed unclean, and therefore less workable into a re-purposed material. With China exiting the market, the large excess of recyclables has left other importers looking for the highest quality and hence business has become competitive. Dirty items don’t only end up in landfill, but they can contaminate other materials, lowering their value, potential purchase and reuse. So I suppose the takeaway is to first REDUCE what you use, then if you have recyclable items they should always be cleaned, and those that cannot be cleaned should always go in the landfill bin to prevent unnecessary processing.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth Learn More about Food DesertsWhat are the implications of access to nutritious food for a community?
Matt Dempsey 10/07/2019 1:33 PMCommunities need access to fresh and healthy food items in order to reduce the risk of dietary related illnesses. In the absence of grocery stores, farmers markets and other healthy food providers, communities are forced to purchase food from convenience stores and gas stations which typically carry items high in fat and sugar and low in fresh fruits and vegetables. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergy Power Down the ComputerWhat are other easy things you could do to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint?
Matt Dempsey 10/04/2019 1:55 PMDon't forget to turn off monitor screens, especially over the weekend! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergy Adjust the ThermostatYour 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?
Matt Dempsey 10/04/2019 1:53 PMSince my apartment faces south-west, keeping blinds/curtains open during the day allows the sun to help warm the space and further reduce the load on AC heating. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Reduce Single-Use DisposablesBringing your own bags and containers to the grocery store, and even to restaurants for leftovers, are a couple of ways to reduce your waste. What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) do you regularly use? What could be substituted instead?
Matt Dempsey 10/04/2019 11:52 AMIt's like a fork desert here in the NY office. Remember to BYO cutlery and save needless single use ones from landfill!
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Matt Dempsey 10/02/2019 2:16 PMYour bank can do anything it wants with your money, so it's important to ensure they align with your values. This EcoChallenge I will be switching to a certified B-Corp and GABV member bank which supports positive social and environmental causes - I've also created my own challenge for this! I'd encourage everyone to learn more at this link: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/socially-responsible-banks/
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Meghan Jones 10/02/2019 7:02 PMThis has been a concern of mine, but I never knew how to address it. Thanks, Matt!
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