Kevin Zacharyasz
"Spreading some sustainable knowledge with my Green Thumb. Sustainability: Meeting the needs of the present without harming the needs of future generations."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 2,961 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO150conversationswith people
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UP TO30disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO920gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO1.0hourvolunteered
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UP TO3.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO15locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO15meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO30milestraveled by bike
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UP TO120milestraveled by foot
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UP TO225minutesof additional sleep
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UP TO450minutesspent exercising
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UP TO2,715minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO450minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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UP TO15organic mealsconsumed
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UP TO15outdoor mealsconsumed
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UP TO30peoplehelped
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UP TO240plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO128pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.2pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO45zero-waste mealsconsumed
Kevin's actions
Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 1 hour(s) in my community.
Health
More Fruits And Veggies
I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.
Water
Eco-friendly Gardening
I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.
Nature
Join an Outdoor Project
I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.
Transportation
Advocate for Greener Vehicles
I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.
Food
Try a New Way to Prep
I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.
Health
Take Control
Develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.
Food
Watch a Documentary
I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.
Community
Share my Actions
I will make my environmental actions visible with a lawn sign or bumper sticker, or by posting to my social media networks.
Food
Smart Seafood Choices
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Transportation
Choose a Carbon Offset
If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.
Energy
Choose Clean/Renewable Energy
I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
Water
Install a Toilet Tank Bank
I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water per day.
Energy
Upgrade my Windows
I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.
Water
Ditch the Lawn
I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save water, money, and time cutting the grass.
Energy
Upgrade Heating & Cooling Units
I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.
Simplicity
Have a Garage Sale
I will have a group garage sale with friends, family, and/or neighbors.
Nature
Practice Gratitude for Earth
I will spend 60 minute(s) per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and the nature surrounding me.
Waste
Become a Master Recyler/Composter
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
Waste
Set up Recycling
I will set up a recycling center at my workplace or school.
Energy
Use an Energy Meter
I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.
Water
Mulch the Base of Trees and Plants
I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.
Health
Eliminate Toxic Plastics
I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl.
Food
Organize a Course
I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses on food sustainability, 'Menu for the Future' or 'Hungry for Change', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
Community
Help Others
I will offer to help 2 person(s) who are in need each day.
Waste
Start Composting
I will start a compost collection at home, work, or school.
Nature
Organize a Course
I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses, such as 'Reconnecting with Earth', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
Energy
Organize a Course
I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses, such as 'Powering a Bright Future', with family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
Simplicity
Support a Sharing Economy
I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.
Nature
Have Meetings Outside
I will schedule 1 minute(s) of work meetings or phone calls outside each day.
Energy
Replace Manual Thermostats
I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.
Community
Join my Neighborhood Association
I will join my neighborhood association or another local group.
Food
Say No to Seafood
I will not eat seafood.
Simplicity
Organize a Course
I will organize NWEI's discussion course 'Voluntary Simplicity' with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
Energy
Online Energy Audit
I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.
Food
Plant an Herb Garden
I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.
Health
Go Get a Check Up
I will make an appointment for my annual physical.
Water
Insulate Water Pipes and Water Heater
I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.
Transportation
Car Share
I will sign up for a car-sharing service, or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.
Health
Know My Health
I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).
Simplicity
Disconnect from Email
I will disconnect from my email when not at work.
Simplicity
De-Clutter my Home
I will de-clutter, clean, and donate or recycle unneeded items in my home.
Simplicity
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Simplicity
Less Screen Time
I will replace 30 minute(s) of screen time per day with other activities.
Water
Conserve Toilet Water
I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.
Health
Support Pollution Reduction
I will learn about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.
Waste
Go Paperless
I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing and/or unsubscribing from catalogs.
Nature
Eat Meals Outside
I will eat 1 meal(s) outside each day.
Energy
Power Down the Computer
I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 per day that I do this.
Simplicity
Work-Life Balance
I will not work more than 8 hour days each day.
Waste
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
I will keep 8 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream.
Waste
Visit a Waste Management Facility
I will visit a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about the waste stream.
Nature
Explore my Area
I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.
Energy
Turn it off
I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
Nature
Spend Time Outside
I will replace 60 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.
Health
Healthy Sleep
I will commit to getting 15 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.
Simplicity
Go for a Daily Walk
I will take a walk each day.
Transportation
Just Drive Less
I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips.
Energy
Disable Screen Savers
I will disable screen savers and will put the computer to sleep instead, saving up to 28% % more energy.
Waste
Find Local Recycling Depots
I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.
Waste
Avoid Disposables
I will not use any disposable plates, cups, or cutlery.
Nature
Go for a Daily Walk
I will take a 60-minute walk outside each day.
Health
Exercise Daily
I will exercise daily for 30 minute(s) per day for two weeks.
Nature
Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset
I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.
Food
Weekly Meal Planning
I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.
Waste
Recycle all Recyclable Materials
I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.
Water
5-Minute Showers
I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day.
Health
Avoid Refined Sugar
I will adopt a diet free of refined sugars, which eliminates sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.
Energy
Switch to Cold Water
I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of C02 over the course of the next year.
Waste
Use Reusable Bags
I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.
Simplicity
Track my Purchases
I will maintain a record of all my purchases.
Food
Locally-Sourced Meals
I will source 1 meal(s) per day from local producers.
Waste
Use Reusable Containers
I will only use reusable containers for my lunches at work or school.
Energy
Adjust the Thermostat
I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.
Food
Buy from a Farmers Market
I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.
Energy
Consider Switching to an Electric Vehicle
Research or test drive an electric car or bike.
Water
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day.
Community
Express my Support
I will find out who in my state makes decisions that impact the environment and express my support for more environmental actions.
Food
Zero-Waste Cooking
I will cook 3 meal(s) with zero waste each day.
Transportation
Work from Home
I will work from home 2 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.
Water
Use Reusable Bottles
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 8 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Community
Host a House Party
I will host a house party to watch a movie or present a guest speaker on an issue that matters to me.
Nature
Leave No Trace
I will practice the seven principles of leave no trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends.
Food
Visit a Local Farm
I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.
Transportation
Go by Bike
I will commute by bike 2 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to 1.37 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
Waste
Buy in Bulk
I will only purchase bulk food items and avoid all single-package items.
Waste
Choose Two-Sided Printing
I will save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper per day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided at work.
Simplicity
Eat Mindfully
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
Waste
Needs vs. Wants
I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.
Transportation
Conduct Virtual Meetings
I will not travel for meetings and will instead conduct them virtually.
Community
Connect with a Nonprofit
I will connect with a local nonprofit, environmental or otherwise, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.
Energy
Heat and Cool Naturally
I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.
Energy
Choose LED Bulbs
I will replace 3 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Water
Brush My Teeth Without Running Water
I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.
Community
Talk to my Friends
I will decide which social or environmental issue in my community is most important to me and tell 10 friends per day about the issue.
Food
Choose Organic Ingredients
I will enjoy 1 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients per day.
Food
Eat Meatless Meals
I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) per day.
Food
Join a Local CSA
I will sign up for a local CSA (consumer-supported agriculture).
Transportation
Walk Instead
I will walk 8 mile(s) per day instead of driving and avoid sending up to 6.03 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
Waste
Use a Reusable Mug
I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day.
Food
Whole Food Diet
I will enjoy 1 meal(s) per day free of processed foods.
Health
Audit Toxic Products In My Home
I will research toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.
Waste
Lobby for Reusables
I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.
Water
Collect Rain Water
I will create a rain garden or bioswale, or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.
Water
Fix Leaky Faucets
I will fix faucets that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet per day.
Create Your Own Action
Environmental Awareness
I will create an Environmental Awareness Twitter Account to spread knowledge on Environmental and Sustainability knowledge.
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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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/28/2016 7:22 AMEven though the ECOCHALLENGE is coming to an end, remember to keep challenging yourself each and every day to be a little more Sustainable and Environmentally conscious.-
Kevin Zacharyasz 10/31/2016 4:58 AMThank you!!! You did a great job as well!! :) -
Mittale Suchak 10/29/2016 2:32 AMGreat job! We both did so well on this EcoChallenge!!! -
Mittale Suchak 10/28/2016 11:16 AMAbsolutely! Couldn't agree more!!! This EcoChallenge has certainly helped me with achieving some of my daily goals and also the one-time challenges.
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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/28/2016 5:32 AMCongrats Everyone!!! GREAT JOB WITH THE CHALLENGE!!! :)-
Mittale Suchak 10/28/2016 11:16 AMCongratulations to Everyone!!! :)
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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/27/2016 6:07 AMLast night, I decided to get into the fall spirit and try making Pumpkin Banana Bread. It turned out really well!-
Kevin Zacharyasz 10/31/2016 4:59 AM -
Tara Marie Colaruotolo 10/28/2016 2:36 PMThis sounds amazing! Please share the recipe, and also great job on the challenge -
Mittale Suchak 10/27/2016 6:45 AMThat sounds so delicious! Do share the recipe of the Pumpkin Banana Bread! Would love to try it!!!
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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/26/2016 4:55 AMA little chilly in Ohio this morning, but a beautiful sunrise!-
Mittale Suchak 10/27/2016 6:45 AMIt is getting very cold in Massachusetts as well! I can smell the Winter in the air! :)
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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/25/2016 6:05 AMThis Challenge has been great!! It is causing a lot of conversation and action among co-workers.-
Mittale Suchak 10/25/2016 12:08 PMThat's great!
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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/24/2016 6:29 AMLast week of the Challenge!!-
Mittale Suchak 10/25/2016 12:08 PMIt sure is!
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Kevin Zacharyasz 10/23/2016 5:44 PMWent hiking this weekend around Hocking Hills! Amazing views! -
Kevin Zacharyasz 10/21/2016 6:49 AMOne Week LEFT!!! Let's get Sustainable! -
Kevin Zacharyasz 10/20/2016 6:29 AMWorked out this morning instead of after work. SO MUCH MORE ENERGY! -
Kevin Zacharyasz 10/19/2016 5:52 AMEating Breakfast outside today!-
Tara Marie Colaruotolo 10/19/2016 9:12 AMThat is the meal i do outside too :) it is great to relax outside with a warm beverage and food.
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