Ecochallenge.org and Project Drawdown

Drawdown EcoChallenge

April 4 - April 25, 2018

Amanda Lee

Population Reference Bureau

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
606 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

105

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

1.0

person

helped
UP TO

32

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

2.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

1.0

donation

made

Amanda's actions

Food

Smaller Portions

#3 Reduced Food Waste

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Materials

Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips

#47 Bioplastic

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family and/or colleagues.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transport

Explore Other Transport Solutions

All Transport Solutions

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Transport Solutions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Reduce Animal Products

#4 Plant-Rich Diet

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Women and Girls

Research Barriers to Participation and Representation

#6 Educating Girls, #7 Family Planning, #62 Women Smallholders

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Use

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

#5 Tropical Forests

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Use

Forest-Friendly Foods 2

#5 Tropical Forests

I will replace or remove products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

#3 Reduced Food Waste

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Women and Girls

Help Girls Overcome Health Barriers

#6 Educating Girls

I will donate one or more Femme Kits to help girls overcome health and sanitation barriers to being able to attend school.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Explore Other Food Solutions

All Food Solutions

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Food Solutions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Materials

What concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Amanda Lee 4/24/2018 5:16 AM
I didn't realize that DC modified recycling requirements at the beginning of the year.
https://dpw.dc.gov/release/new-dc-recycling-requirements-begin-january-1st

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

What did you find out? What is the most interesting fact you learned?
Amanda Lee 4/17/2018 6:57 AM
I can do my part by continuing to eat a plant-based diet and reducing my food waste. Both of these solutions will reduce the need for land-clearing. I didn't know that most greenhouse gas emissions happen during production rather than during transportation.

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Amanda Lee 4/16/2018 5:36 AM
I subscribe to the tiny newsletter, Today We Will. It is a daily tip about how small actions make a positive environmental impact. Check it out here: http://www.todaywewillnewsletter.com/

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Women and Girls

In what other ways could you help girls overcome health barriers to being able to attend school?
Amanda Lee 4/12/2018 11:50 AM
I could consider making a monthly contribution to Femme International. This would make a lasting impact. Also, I could look for local organizations that are doing similar work and donate products.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use

How is your diet currently impacting deforestation? What can you do to decrease your negative impact and increase your positive impact?
Amanda Lee 4/10/2018 10:34 AM
I consume coffee, cocoa, and eggs almost every day! I few years ago I slowly eliminated all SLS body products and switched to natural ones. At the time I did it for allergy reasons, but I am happy to know it made an environmental impact too! To further decrease my negative impact, I can decrease my consumption of these foods and/or switch to more eco-friendly varieties, e.g., shade grown coffee. I will continue to use avocado, olive, and coconut oil when cooking and will make my own laundry detergent next time I need more.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transport

What did you find out? What is the most interesting fact you learned?
Amanda Lee 4/09/2018 1:10 PM
I didn't know that high speed rail is powered by electricity, not diesel fuel! This seems like an important transit mode in areas with high population density but also risky if ridership isn't high.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

What do you think contributes to people in North America eating more meat than other countries, and what does this say about North American values and ways of living? How do we start shifting a meat-focused food culture?
Amanda Lee 4/06/2018 10:19 AM
Wealth is a major factor as well as perception of what "full" feels like. Americans have the means to eat diets full of meat products and have a mindset that says a meal isn't complete unless there is meat. Also, diet culture, the USDA, and lobbyists are also to blame here. Americans were told they need to eat a lot of protein (to be fit and as part of a balanced meal) when in fact it is very rare that Americans are deficit in protein. Also, many people don't know that the body can't efficiently use large qualities of protein in one sitting, so the large portions we eat are necessary.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Use

How difficult or easy was it to change your diet?
Amanda Lee 4/06/2018 10:14 AM
Over the last month I have been trying to limit my coffee habit and drink tea instead. I've found that this isn't too difficult. I still enjoy the taste of coffee though, so in an effort to be more thoughtful, I will look for shade grown and the Rainforest Alliance seal when purchasing beans.
I don't eat meat and rarely eat dairy, but I do consume a lot of eggs. It will be tough to break this habit because I find them to be a great protein source. I buy a carton every two weeks. Next time I will consider purchasing from local farms.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

Now that you know the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates, how will you view expiration dates differently?
Amanda Lee 4/06/2018 10:03 AM
I will not store my eggs in the fridge door - this will keep them at a cool, stable temperature and preserve the quality. These articles were a great reminder that the dates relate to quality and not safety. I will share this knowledge with family and friends to hopefully prevent food waste.

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