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Iris Martin's avatar

Iris Martin

Asheville High School/SILSA

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 496 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    41
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    395
    minutes
    being mindful
  • UP TO
    150
    minutes
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    64
    minutes
    spent learning

Iris's actions

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Tend A Garden

Conservation Agriculture

I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Visit the Coast

Macroalgae Protection and Restoration

I will visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and look for the presence of macroalgae/seaweed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Reduce Animal Products

Plant-Rich Diets

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meals each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 28
DAILY ACTIONS

Land Sinks

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

Tropical Forest Restoration

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants

Refrigerant Management

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Eat Mindfully

Reduced Food Waste

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

COMPLETED 19
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
    Industry
    What did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?

    Iris Martin's avatar
    Iris Martin 4/22/2025 5:39 AM
    Refrigerants, the chemicals used in refrigerators and air conditioners, have a big impact on the climate because many of them are greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, making the Earth warmer. Supermarkets contribute to this problem because they use large refrigeration systems to keep food cold, and these systems often use harmful refrigerants. When these refrigerants leak or get released into the air, they can cause damage to the environment. As supermarkets work to keep food fresh, they end up adding to global warming, which is why it's important to find better, more eco-friendly refrigerants and improve energy efficiency.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
    What coastal site did you visit and what did you learn while there?

    Iris Martin's avatar
    Iris Martin 4/22/2025 5:35 AM
    Visiting Folly Beach is like hitting the reset button. The warm sun, cool ocean breeze, and soft sand make everything feel calmer, as if the beach itself is refreshing your mind and body. You can learn to slow down, just like the waves, and take in the simple beauty around you—whether it’s the way the sunlight dances on the water or the way the seagulls soar. The coast teaches you to be present, appreciating the little things, and reminds you how peaceful life can feel when you stop and breathe in the fresh air.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
    Have you ever had a significant experience in nature that altered your perspective or focus? If so, please describe it.

    Iris Martin's avatar
    Iris Martin 4/21/2025 1:47 PM
    Whenever I go hiking, I feel like my mind becomes clearer and more open. Walking through nature, surrounded by trees, fresh air, and quiet, helps me let go of stress and distractions. Without phones, noise, or busy schedules, my thoughts start to flow more freely. Ideas come to me more easily, and I feel more creative and focused. Being outdoors makes me feel calm and connected to the world around me. It’s like nature gives my mind the space it needs to breathe, reflect, and grow
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
    Why do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our bodies, our planet, and other people?

    Iris Martin's avatar
    Iris Martin 4/21/2025 1:37 PM
    People in richer countries eat more meat because they can afford it, and it's a big part of fast food. However, eating too much meat can cause health problems like heart disease and cancer. It also harms the planet by using lots of water, polluting the air, and adding to climate change. Meat production can also take land and food away from people in poorer countries. So while meat can be healthy in small amounts, eating a lot of it causes problems for our health, the Earth, and the animals we kill for it
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
    Mindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How does your eating experience differ when practicing mindfulness?

    Iris Martin's avatar
    Iris Martin 4/21/2025 9:57 AM
    Practicing mindful eating helped me slow down and focus on my consumption. I'm not stuffing my face, which leads to the chances of choking. I'm not just eating but actually enjoying the food in front of me.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land Sinks
    How is your diet currently impacting deforestation? What can you do to decrease your negative impact and increase your positive impact?

    Iris Martin's avatar
    Iris Martin 4/04/2025 8:49 AM
    Since my family doesn’t eat much meat and we try to be mindful of the environment, we know that some products we use can contribute to deforestation. Some of these things come from places where forests are cut down to make room for crops or to use for things like paper. To help, I can choose brands that are fair trade or sustainable, which means they’re better for the environment. I can also use eco-friendly toiletries and try to avoid products that come from deforested areas.