Ecochallenge.org

Drawdown Ecochallenge

October 1 - October 31, 2023

Alex Westby

Randall/CTL

"I'm here for the fishies and the oceans"

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
1,202 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

63

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

1.0

sustainable seafood meal

consumed
UP TO

1.0

energy audit

conducted
UP TO

900

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

1.0

donation

made
UP TO

4.0

advocacy actions

completed
UP TO

3.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

6.0

educational videos

watched
UP TO

1.0

hour

volunteered
UP TO

1.0

story

shared
UP TO

3.0

trees

planted
UP TO

1,545

minutes

spent learning

Alex's actions

Electricity

Support Companies Leading in Green Energy

Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaics, Distributed Solar Photovoltaics

I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Plant Trees

Temperate Forest Restoration

I will plant 3 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Research Peatlands

Peatland Protection and Rewetting

I will spend 30 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Improve a Bus Stop

Public Transit

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Support a Community Garden

Multiple Solutions

I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products

Engineered Sinks

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers or post to social media.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Learn about Biochar

Biochar Production

I will spend 30 minutes learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Learn about Carbon Offsets

I will spend 30 minutes learning about carbon offsets, and why they are a necessary solution in combating a climate crisis.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Learn More about Biomass

Biomass Power

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Choose Better Wood Products

Forest Protection

I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Research the Wonders of Macroalgae / Seaweed

Macroalgae Protection and Restoration

Each day, I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about protecting and restoring macroalgae/seaweed.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Transportation

Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Watch Drawdown's Climate Solutions 101 Series

Family Planning and Education

I will watch Drawdown’s Climate Solutions 101 and share what I learned with others.

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 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Reduce Animal Products

Plant-Rich Diets

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meals each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Land Sinks

Learn More about Silvopasture

Silvopasture

I will spend at least 10 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Online Energy Audit

Multiple Solutions

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Smart Seafood Choices

Ocean Farming

I will visit seafoodwatch.org and download the app to commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Learn About Cattle Farming

Improved Cattle Feed; Improved Manure Management

I will spend 10 minutes researching cattle feed and manure management, or visiting a dairy farm to learn about their farming practices.

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

Electricity

Learn More about Micro Wind

Micro Wind Turbines

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Research Bottom-Trawling Seafloor Impacts

Seafloor Protection

Each day, I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about how bottom-trawling impacts on the seafloor.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Cook With Sustainable Seafood

Improved Fisheries

Using the Seafood Watch guide, I will feature a sustainable seafood ingredient in a new recipe.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Talk With a Local Grocer

Improved Fisheries

I will ask my local seafood market or grocery store if their seafood is sustainable and share the Seafood Watch resources so they can stock sustainable options.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Green My Job

Industry

Using Drawdown's Job Function Action Guide, I will learn about climate actions I can take at work.

COMPLETED
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?

Alex Westby 10/31/2023 9:39 AM

Good job everyone! Try to keep up your positive work for the rest of the year!

Read More
Alex Westby 10/28/2023 8:10 AM

Last weekend let's finish strong and carry those good habits beyond this month!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Reduce Animal Products

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?

Alex Westby 10/27/2023 12:53 PM

It's commonly known the effect of heating too much meat on the human body so instead I focused on the environment. I learned it takes more resources to grow the animals needed for meat when compared to the output gained from focusing on crops. The balance of nutrients in your body is harder to achieve on meat alone and in a perfect world it would be more beneficial to have vegetarian focused diets with meat serving as an additive. Overall in reducing my meat intake this month, I have felt better in energy capacity as well as consuming numerous varied nutrients from increased vegetable/fruit intake. I honestly thought this was going to be more tougher than it was but I think this is something I can easily continue after this challenge and find enjoyment in it.

Read More
- Jeanne Poirier 10/27/2023 7:17 PM
  
  The water Alex - I hope in learning resources it takes for meat - especially beef you saw water as huge!
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Support Companies Leading in Green Energy

Every dollar you put into solar or wind is a dollar not put into traditional financial institutions. You'll also be bolstering the fossil fuel divestment movement, too. Name some companies you know that invest in green energy. How can you support them?

Alex Westby 10/26/2023 2:43 PM

Looking at the provided list I already use or shop from the following gold members: T-Mobile, Nissin Foods Holdings, and Pepsi Co. Other companies that aren't gold members include: General Mills (2030), HP (2030) and Visa (2019). Hopefully more companies can continue to strive and improve

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Eat Mindfully

Mindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How does your eating experience differ when practicing mindfulness?

Alex Westby 10/26/2023 2:26 PM

It feels weird to say but after focusing on it this month I've noticed it seems to taste better, I take my time and get to experience the flavors more, even filling more full sometimes throughout this journey. I think people tend to get distracted and then food gets cold or they are suddenly full and instead of saving they have a tendency to sometimes throw it out. Eating in a restaurant and being full usually leads to leftovers while at home usually leads to garbage in my personal experience, especially if I'm distracted by the sports game or stuck in the just one more minute of watching and then I'll eat mode.

Read More
Alex Westby 10/24/2023 4:51 PM

Last week finish strong everyone! :) Try to reinforce those habits to carry on the good work you are doing behind the month of October!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Transportation Improve a Bus Stop

How can you advocate for transportation systems which minimize environmental impact while also meeting human needs?

Alex Westby 10/24/2023 4:48 PM

It's all about placement. Putting too many close together results in a stop start flow to the bus route which could result in more idling. It is hard to convince people to walk a bit further as the current system may be more convenient and you cannot ask people to make the same sacrifices that you would. I can do my part by lobbing for better stop placement and the ability to go green on buses

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Plant Trees

How is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?

Alex Westby 10/24/2023 8:51 AM

I was able to help update my friends house this weekend and got him to plant some extra trees and foliage to help liven up his backyard. His wife appreciated it and we helped the planet win win

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Cook With Sustainable Seafood

What did you cook and how did it turn out? Can you share a recipe on the feed for others to try?

Alex Westby 10/19/2023 10:18 AM

I recently visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium and purchased a book of seafood recipes (also where I got my sustainable utensils). I made a fantastic sustainable fish tacos for game night which was a fantastic success! I plan on using the book along with sustainable websites and grocers to explore this portion of the culinary world!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings Online Energy Audit

What are your next steps for saving energy?

Alex Westby 10/16/2023 4:33 PM

Kinda knew where this one was going. I do a lot of internet gaming, tv watching, and generally use a good portion of electricity in my time off. I have gotten better about making sure things are unplugged while not in use and turning lights off when I leave the room but this is a good reminder to keep up on that. (Goodbye auto game updates from Steam you will be missed)

Read More
- Luz Rooney 10/16/2023 5:12 PM
  
  Great job, Alex. I unplug everything in my house when we go out of town. Also, when my husband is traveling for work, I only keep the lights on in the areas I am using. Everywhere else in the house is dark.
  
  Read More