Climate and Sport Ecochallenge

November 1 - November 30, 2021

Beth Dekoker

Otonabee River

"Step slowly through life and smile."

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
1,180 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

297

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

55

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

112

miles

not traveled by car
UP TO

112

miles

traveled by foot
UP TO

20

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

86

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

25

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

1.5

pounds of paper

have been saved

Beth's actions

Waste

Go Paperless

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 1.5kg a month or 18.6kg a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Invite a Friend to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of their Household

Do at Home

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Calculate the Carbon Footprint of my Household

Do at Home

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Composting

I will start a compost bin where I live.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Power Saving Settings

Do at Home

I will learn about and update the power saving settings on my computer to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Keep Track of Wasted Food

I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation.

COMPLETED 27
DAILY ACTIONS

Transportation

Walk Instead

I will walk 3 kms(s) each day instead of driving to avoid sending CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

COMPLETED 27
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle for Your Sport Events

I will keep 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 27
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Reduce Animal Products

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 0 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED 24
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Fix Leaky Faucets

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 11 liters of water per faucet every day.

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?

Beth Dekoker 11/14/2021 5:01 AM

I noticed at a community centre I attended today, they have water refill stations. Such a great initiative to keep plastic bottles out!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste Go Paperless

Reducing your paper mail can reduce mental clutter as well as physical waste -- by reducing what is coming in, you can reduce what is going into the recycling bin too. How does it make you feel? What is the next step you will take to reduce your waste?

Beth Dekoker 11/14/2021 4:57 AM

Having various places to have bills and information coming in (via email and the physical mail) is wasteful and indeed cluttering. By eliminating the paper bills and junk mail, I can be more focused on the important tasks for my day. At work, we still often have paper files for certain large jobs that proceed over years. We need to make the change and implement the new process going forward to get them online and e filed.

Read More
Beth Dekoker 11/13/2021 1:43 PM

I noticed this week I am getting less junk mail. Whether this is a reflection from COVID19 or my emails to remove myself from unwanted ones and sign up for email offerings instead, maybe its a combination, but its great!

Read More
Beth Dekoker 11/12/2021 12:28 PM

I calculated my Carbon Footprint for our home (2 adults) for a month. 46.19. Interesting and good knowledge to have.

Read More
Beth Dekoker 11/11/2021 12:13 PM

Fall is settling in and the cool weather seems to be here to stay. I checked my window and door weatherstrip to ensure it is all in good condition and the locks are all secured. With the newer casement windows, you can crank them closed but make sure you are locking them to pull them in tighter to prevent drafts.

Read More
Beth Dekoker 11/09/2021 4:05 PM

In the groove to walking after work now, I have found a route with steep hills which is quite challenging. The weather has been fantastic here so enjoying the fall weather.

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Beth Dekoker 11/05/2021 4:18 PM

This summer we spray insulated our floor and roof of our home. So far this winter we are so warm and comfy. Small or large improvements can make a difference. All those small drafts add up.

Read More
Beth Dekoker 11/04/2021 12:32 PM

I am leaving myself little notes to keep myself on track and aware. The little changes are adding up. My water bottle at my desk is a perfect example. And if it tips over, there is no mess

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Composting

Producing food that goes uneaten squanders many resources—seeds, water, energy, land, fertilizer, hours of labor, financial capital. Which of these kinds of waste most motivates you to change your behavior regarding food waste? Why?

Beth Dekoker 11/03/2021 8:45 AM

I grew up on a farm and know the sweat equity that goes into producing crops. We had corn, wheat, soyabeans and white beans. We didn't waste anything during planting or harvesting and want the final consumers to do the same.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?

Beth Dekoker 11/03/2021 8:43 AM

Often I can find reduced produce and other items at the grocery store and use them quickly or freeze them for later use. It saves me money and also reduces waste in the food chain. The cost to produce food is high and wasting it is terrible.

Read More