Victoria Malagisi
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 247 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO120minutesspent exercising
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UP TO2.0treesplanted
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UP TO45minutesspent learning
Victoria's actions
Health and Education
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Family Planning and Education
I will spend at least 45 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
Share Your Story
SiA Homework for Sept 4 - PRACTICE POST
On Sept 4, we will have 3 guests come talk to us about sustainability initiatives at Vanier. In preparation, please read over VANIER'S 5-YEAR SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN 2018-2023 and then write an EcoChallenge post that includes the following: - What do you think about the plan? Is it ambitious enough? Is there anything missing or superfluous? From your own observation and experience, how well is Vanier doing? List some questions that you would like to ask our speakers regarding Sustainability at Vanier? - Identify at least 3 initiatives that you are potentially interested in contributing to this semester and explain why. (Note there is a column labelled student involvement.) For more detailed information, you can also consult the 2020 VANIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT in the links.
Transportation
SiA Homework for Sept 4 - PRACTICE POST
Write an Ecochallenge POST to our team, briefly stating how you currently commute to Vanier. In Quebec, because we have a lot of hydro electric power, one of the main source of carbon emissions is from transportation. What commuting options do you have that would be healthier for you and the planet? Will you be considering any changes for this semester? If so, select or create an EcoChallenge action. If not, explain what your particular challenges are and what you could do to help other people in your situation (e.g. organise car sharing, propose a bus shuttle, etc.)
Share Your Story
SiA Homework for Sept 11 - Intro Post
Please write a short post to introduce yourself to the class. Mention some of your interests and what program you are in. If you have some ideas for your sustainability project this semester, please share - you might find a collaborator! Inspire others with the EcoChallenge actions that you are interested in trying out. Include a photo of yourself if you like.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 45 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
Industry
Practice the 5 Rs
Recycling
I will practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.
Industry
Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion
Multiple Industry Solutions
I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin practicing it in my own life.
Electricity
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 6 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Land Sinks
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 2 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Electricity
Learn More about Micro Wind
Micro Wind Turbines
I will spend at least 45 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Family Planning and Education
I will spend at least 45 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Share Your Story
READ Quebec's principles for a just transition AND/OR PARTICIPATE in the Sept 27 Climate March
For the week of Sept 25 to Oct 2, please read the documents attached AND IF YOU CAN, please attend the Sept 27 Climate March. Many people and organisations feel that the government is dragging its feet on the important changes required to meet our climate commitments. For your post, reflect on the value of mass demonstrations. Include a photo of a protest banner or slogan that you find effective (if you can't attend the event then find a photo on the web from other climate marches).
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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Victoria Malagisi 11/12/2024 9:09 AMFINAL POST: REFLECTION
The Eco-Challenge was an eye-opener. At first, I expected the adjustments to be tough, but I was surprised by how impactful a few small changes could be. Learning about food waste, practicing the "5 Rs," and exploring sustainable fashion helped me realize how much our daily choices connect to environmental health. Over time, I felt more empowered to make a difference.While I did the challenge alone, sharing it with friends or family would have added accountability and made the experience feel even more collaborative. Seeing others involved could have made a big difference in keeping me motivated and pushing for more impact.
Reflecting on whether these efforts make a difference, I think they do. Even small actions can inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others to make mindful choices. I plan to continue many of these habits, especially in reducing waste and thoughtful consumption, as they’ve started to become part of my routine.
Envisioning a world without fossil fuels is both exciting and complex. The obvious positives include a drastic reduction in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and a more stable climate. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro would take center stage, driving innovation and potentially creating millions of green jobs.However, there would be challenges as well. Transitioning away from fossil fuels would require significant infrastructure changes and might come with economic disruptions, particularly in regions dependent on fossil fuel industries. There would also be lifestyle changes, especially around transportation and resource availability, as we adapt to new ways of living and consuming energy.
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Victoria Malagisi 11/09/2024 4:54 PMLEARN ABOUT & PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE FASHION:
On my daily walks, I see discarded wrappers, plastic, and even clothing. Seeing this waste made me realize the environmental impact of fashion. Determined to make a change, I decided to learn more about sustainable fashion and how I could adopt it into my life.The fashion industry consumes huge amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. Supporting sustainable brands that focus on eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing reduces this impact. Each mindful choice—whether it’s buying secondhand, swapping with friends, or supporting ethical brands—helps make fashion a force for good.Switching to sustainable options can be tricky. Eco-friendly brands are often more expensive, and fast fashion is hard to avoid for convenience. As I walk through my neighborhood, I often see clothes thrown out, a reminder of how convenience and lack of awareness impact waste.On an individual level, buying less and focusing on quality helps, while thrift shopping or clothing swaps are great alternatives. Collectively, we can advocate for transparency and affordability in the fashion industry to make sustainable options accessible to all.
I wanted to explore sustainable fashion to reduce my footprint through small, everyday choices. Learning about the impact of clothing makes me more intentional with my wardrobe. Sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to contribute to a greener future, one choice at a time.
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Victoria Malagisi 11/01/2024 2:29 PMLEARNING THE TRUTH ABOUT EXPARATION DATES:
On my daily walks, I often see discarded food, much of it still in packaging. Realizing how confusion around expiration dates leads to waste, I decided to learn the differences between "sell by," "use by," and "best by" dates. Each of these terms means something different, and understanding them is a simple yet powerful way to cut down on food waste.Globally, we waste about one-third of the food produced, much of it due to misunderstandings around expiration dates. "Sell by" dates are more for stores than consumers, while "use by" often refers to peak quality, and "best by" is more about flavor or texture than safety. Reducing food waste lessens the demand on resources, like land and water, and minimizes environmental impact.The main challenge is the confusing terminology. For example, while "sell by" is merely a store recommendation, "use by" generally indicates when food is freshest. During my walk, I thought about how often I would toss something without knowing if it was truly expired. Another problem is that we've been or atleast for me, taught to think of dates as strict safety deadlines rather than as suggestions, which causes us to throw out food too soon.Individually, a little time spent learning about these labels goes a long way. Small actions like checking food before tossing it and using our senses (smell, touch, sight) can help us tell if something is still good to eat. Collectively, we need clearer regulations and labeling practices that make the purpose of these dates easier to understand.I wanted to learn about expiration dates because I realized that this simple knowledge could have a real impact on my household food waste. Having the confidence to know what’s safe and what’s still good helps me use up what I’ve bought, avoid unnecessary waste, and appreciate the value of my food.After researching, I feel better prepared to make informed choices about food freshness. Just knowing that "best by" dates are about quality, not safety, has already changed my approach. -
Victoria Malagisi 10/23/2024 4:08 PMPLANT TREES:
This week, I participated in the tree planting activity with our class, collaborating with an organization that provided everything we needed. They prepared the materials, including tools, and even pre-dug some of the holes, which made the process much easier. While planting just two trees might seem small, it felt like a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.Tree planting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help the environment. Trees capture carbon, improve air quality, and provide habitats for wildlife. By planting these two trees, I contributed to creating green spaces that enhance the quality of life in our community.
Despite the organization’s support, there was still some challenges. Some challenges was ensuring the trees were planted at the right depth and that the dome we crated about the tree was at the right height and compacted well.
The organization’s expertise helped us overcome many hurdles, providing guidance on proper planting techniques.
I was motivated to learn about tree planting because it’s a practical way to contribute to climate action. Understanding how trees improve air quality and support wildlife inspired me to get involved.
During my daily walks, I noticed areas that felt barren and lacked greenery. This reinforced the importance of our project. Planting trees transforms our public spaces into more inviting areas.
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Victoria Malagisi 10/21/2024 5:39 PMTHANKSGIVING:The overall message from the four videos is that our society's focus on constant economic growth and consumerism is unsustainable for both the environment and our well-being. They advocate for degrowth, which promotes a shift away from excessive consumption towards a more meaningful, balanced way of living that prioritizes sustainability, well-being, and community over material wealth.
Things I'm Grateful for That Don’t Harm the Environment:- Time spent in nature: Enjoying a walk or time outdoors brings peace without harming the planet.
- Meaningful conversations: Engaging with others without harming the environment.
- Creative hobbies: Activities like reading, writing, or drawing enrich life without depleting resources.
How Degrowth Could Improve My Life:
Degrowth could simplify my life by reducing the pressure to constantly acquire more, allowing me to focus on experiences, relationships, and personal growth. It would lead to less stress and more fulfillment, fostering a deeper connection to nature and community, while also benefiting the environment. -
Victoria Malagisi 10/04/2024 7:13 AMPRACTICE THE 5 Rs:
Every day when I go around my neighbourhood, I'm shocked by the garbage that's lying around—plastic wrappers and neglected objects. This made me realize that recycling is not enough, so I adopted the "5 Rs": reject, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. With landfills overflowing and contaminants harming natural ecosystems, it’s obvious that our waste management strategies need reconsideration. Reusing and recycling are only the beginning. More sustainable practices include finding creative approaches to repurpose products, cutting less on what I use, refusing unneeded items, and reusing what I already have. When I saw how many single-use plastics there were in my neighbourhood on my daily walk, it dawned on me that much of this garbage might have been prevented by refusing or reusing.Although it seems simple, living by the "5 Rs" can be difficult in a society that values ease. It might be uncomfortable to refuse plastic at the grocery store, cutting back on consumption takes careful planning, and it can take some time to discover new uses for things. I've often been tempted to stop for a fast, plastic-wrapped food, or I've been disappointed when I can't find recycling bins in public areas.Small actions stack up over time. Refusing needless packaging and carrying a reusable bag and water bottle are good places to start. These adjustments have come gradually for me, but they get simpler the more I use them. I've begun mentally counting the items I could recycle or throw away as I see trash while out on walks. We require improved infrastructure as a group. Accessible sustainable measures might include additional public recycling bins, awareness campaigns, and community gatherings that emphasize resource sharing or reuse.Every tiny adjustment adds up, especially when made greatly, which makes this activity crucial. I feel responsible to reduce my environmental impact by reducing trash wherever I can because I commute by car and am conscious of it. I'm become more aware of the infrastructures—or lack of it—that either facilitate or obstruct sustainable behaviours as a result of my walks.Recycling is vital, but it is insufficient on its own, which is why I was interested in learning about the "5 Rs". Reducing waste and learning how to say no to things helps me live with less unneeded things initially.I can now make better judgments based on my knowledge, whether that means deciding on products with less packaging, coming up with creative ways to repurpose goods, or motivating others to follow. I can share this information and maybe encourage others to view trash reduction as a group effort rather than simply an individual one. I now feel like I'm walking with more purpose since I can see how I might incorporate these practices into my everyday life. -
Victoria Malagisi 9/27/2024 12:55 PMQUEBEC’S PRINCIPLES FOR A JUST TRANSITION:
Beyond reducing emissions, Québec's Just Transition prioritizes protecting underprivileged communities, promoting worker justice, and developing sustainable employment. But even with agreements like the Paris Agreement, urgent climate action is frequently postponed due to slow government responses and an emphasis on economic stability. Mass protests are essential in this situation because they draw attention to the public's demands for quicker and more aggressive climate laws, pressuring the government to give actual change top priority over postponed action.
In democratic countries, large-scale protests are quite valuable, particularly when it comes to climate change. These enormous public gatherings offer an opportunity for group action, highlighting the voices of those who would not otherwise be heard. They raise awareness of serious issues and put pressure on establishments and governments to respond quickly and effectively. One slogan that I have seen often is "System Change, Not Climate Change" This slogan expresses the idea that addressing climate change requires more than small-scale governmental changes—rather, it calls for a fundamental transformation of society and economic institutions. Slogans like this reflect the influence of these movements and advocate for significant systemic change as opposed to temporary fixes. Protests promote solidarity and promote political and social change by bringing people together around a shared cause.
* I was unable to attend the march, but attached is an image of the a poster banner with the slogan I mentioned in this post.
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Victoria Malagisi 9/22/2024 4:29 PMSMALLER PORTIONS:
This past week I focused on suing smaller plates and serving myself smaller portions. It might sound like a minor change, but it’s been surprisingly eye opening.
I started doing this when I realized how much food I was wasting. I’d throw out a full plate, eat half, and then feel guilty throwing the rest away. Globally, about a third of our food ends up in the trash, and I didn’t want to be part of that statistic anymore. Smaller portions have helped me rethink how much I actually need to feel satisfied, and it's cut down my food waste significantly.
At first, it was hard. I was used to filling up my plate, thinking, "If I don’t, I’ll still be hungry." The switch felt strange—meals seemed smaller, even though they were just enough. This week my family and I even had gone out to a restaurant and that I found was more challenging. Restaurants tend to serve oversized portions, and it’s tough not to overeat when the plate is so full. I wasn’t able to finish my plate and instead of just sending it back like I normally would, this time I decided to take it to go and have it for lunch the next day. I’ve found that focusing on the taste and quality of what I’m eating helps. I slow down, savor my food, and listen to my body when it says I’m full.
I’m learning to be more mindful about what I consume and sharing that awareness with others. By serving smaller portions, I’m not only preventing waste but also encouraging more mindful eating habits. Sharing these practices with friends and family helps spread the idea that small actions—like using smaller plates—can have a real impact on sustainability. -
Victoria Malagisi 9/14/2024 12:14 PMDaily 30 Minute Walk:
I've started going for daily walks of thirty minutes, not just as a form of exercise but also to learn about the surrounding infrastructure (trees, benches, crosswalks, and sidewalks) and consider how these components impact accessibility, enjoyment, and environmental sustainability. I was interested in learning how the act of walking itself may highlight more significant problems with urban planning and how they affect how we live every day. People are discouraged from walking if there is a lack of greenery, uneven sidewalks, or poorly positioned crosswalks. I wanted to learn more about what makes walking fun and how to make cities more accessible and ecologically friendly by paying attention to the spaces around me.
During my walk last week, I saw something little yet significant. The path abruptly stopped as I was moving down it. The pavement suddenly ended giving way to grass and gravel. I had to manoeuvre past a parked car that was partially on the sidewalk and partially in the the road. This was only a small annoyance for someone who was not restricted in their movement. However, I could not help but think how this might seem for someone using a wheelchair, stroller, or cane—a simple activity like walking could become a maze. I became aware of how little our infrastructure is designed with the needs of everyone in mind at moments like this. Even though these minor annoyances might not seem like much, taken as a whole, they reduce the safety and enjoyment of walking, particularly for those with limited mobility or parents of small children.
On an individual level, I can raise my awareness of these problems and speak up when I observe them. While reporting grassy paths or broken sidewalks to the city may seem insignificant, doing so is a step in the direction of making an area more walkable.
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Victoria Malagisi 9/09/2024 6:28 PMHealth and Education action:
LEARN ABOUT THE NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING
Family planning is the process by which individuals and couples decide how many children to have and when to have them. In order to avoid unplanned pregnancy, space out births, and ensure pregnancy safety, this involves using contraceptive techniques and reproductive health services. Gender equality, the empowerment of women, and improved health outcomes for mothers and children are all facilitated by family planning. By assisting in the management of population growth and lessening the demand on resources, it also supports economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Some challenges:- Access: Lack of facilities for healthcare particularly in rural regions.
- Cultural Barriers: Reproductive education is not welcomed in some communities.
- Misinformation: Widespread misconceptions exist around contraception.
- Funding: There aren’t enough resources to run large-scale projects.
How can we fix this?-
Individually:
- Look for trustworthy information of reproductive health.
- Encourage and spread knowledge about the rights to family planning.
- Take part in online or community based campaigns to raise awareness.
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Collectively:
- Reforming policy will allow everyone to have access to family planning services, particularly in communities with limited resources.
- International institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can collaborate with local communities to overcome cultural barriers and offer family planning in a manner that respects standards.
- Investing in education can help postpone marriage and childbearing, which can contribute to a more sustainable future by slowing population increase.
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Richard Klopp 9/10/2024 10:35 AMHi Victoria,
Please focus your posts on your own experience and reflections of the action. See instructions on LEA. Thanks!