Molly McCarty (cho 902)
10/21/2023 8:42 AM
I was not sure about my region, so I looked it up on Google. It says that for my area, the water comes from several river basins.
Molly McCarty (cho 902)
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 268 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.2poundsfood waste prevented
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UP TO1.0locally sourced mealconsumed
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UP TO2.0organic mealsconsumed
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UP TO3.6pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO12plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO76gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO18minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO15minutesspent learning
Molly's actions
Food
Whole Food Lifestyle
I will enjoy 1 meal(s) each day free of processed foods.
Water
Say No to Plastic Straws
An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.
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.
Nature
Tend a Garden
I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.
Food
Locally-Sourced Meals
I will source 1 meal(s) each day from local producers.
Food
Try a New Way to Prep
I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.
Water
Brush My Teeth Without Running Water
I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.
Food
Choose Organic Ingredients
I will enjoy 1 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients each day.
Food
Weekly Meal Planning
I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.
Nature
Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset
I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.
Waste
Skip the Straw
Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.
Participant Feed
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Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:45 AMI chose some of the actions that I thought would be good to keep me accountable, and some that I already incorporate into my life. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaterWhat is the main water source in your region? If you don't know, how could you find out?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWaterWhat single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) do you regularly use? What could be substituted instead?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:41 AMI use paper plates a lot, and those could easily be substituted with dishes that I can wash.-
Rachael Clarke 10/21/2023 12:58 PM- The paper making process uses a lot of water. Good for you making the change at the sacrifice of convenience! There is so little time in the day for how busy many of us are. Many eco friendly options require a bit of extra time to wash over disposable options, but reusables are cheaper over the long term
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REFLECTION QUESTIONNatureHave you ever had a significant experience in nature that altered your perspective or focus? If so, please describe it.
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:40 AMFor me, fall time in nature is so beautiful and it often amazes me how nature is so pretty. I also think it is so fascinating how the leaves on trees are green for so long, and then they turn all different colors even if they are the same species.-
Rachael Clarke 10/21/2023 3:09 PMFun fact, the reason the leaves of deciduous (leafy trees which typically lose their leaves in the fall and winter) turn different colours is because of the different pigments left in the leaves as others (chlorophyl) are diminished and not replaced like they are during the warmer months. Carotenoids are a type of pigment which reflects red, orange, or yellow and are left in the leaves in the fall which give them their beautiful colours!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONNatureFather Thomas Berry says, "... our primary purpose is celebration. Celebration of the dawn and the sunset and the different seasons of the year is a religious ritual, a way in which humans can establish their integral relationship with the universe, with the planet Earth." What is your response to Berry's assertion?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:39 AMI agree, there are so many beautiful things here on Earth that I think we often look past or take for granted. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodCanning 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 or another trusted source. What are some foods that you would like to preserve and enjoy later in the year?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:36 AMI would like to can tomatoes, jam, applesauce, peaches, and other seasonal fruits and veggies. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodMichael Pollan states that “it is better to pay the grocer (our edit: or the farmer!) than the doctor.” What are your thoughts on this assertion?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:34 AMI think this is a good statement because in the long run, it will be cheaper, and it is good to prioritize your health in the beginning, rather than when problems arise. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergyWhat are other easy things you could do to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:33 AMTurning off lights, TV, and other electronics to save electricity and energy. Also, only turning on heat/AC when needed. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodAn average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four in the US spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Does this surprise you? Where would you rather use this money?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:32 AMThis does not surprise me because it is natural to just throw away something you don't need anymore, or that has gone bad. I would rather use this money for fun activities or towards other life necessities. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodIf you were to only eat what is in season locally from now on, what would be the most difficult food item for you to give up? Why?
Molly McCarty (cho 902) 10/21/2023 8:31 AMI think certain fruits I like would be hard to give up in the winter time because I like the freshness and sweetness that they add to my meals or snacks.