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October 14 - October 28, 2016
Mittale Suchak's avatar

Mittale Suchak

CLEAResult

"“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 2,825 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    20
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    230
    gallons of water
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    1.0
    hour
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    2.0
    lightbulbs
    replaced
  • UP TO
    1.0
    locally sourced meal
    consumed
  • UP TO
    15
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    50
    miles
    traveled by bus
  • UP TO
    3.0
    miles
    traveled by carpool
  • UP TO
    840
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    390
    minutes
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    0.0
    minutes
    not spent in front of a screen
  • UP TO
    16
    organic meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    4.0
    outdoor meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    5.0
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    17
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    2.0
    zero-waste meals
    consumed

Mittale's actions

Energy

Turn it off

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Replace Manual Thermostats

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Choose Organic Ingredients

I will enjoy 2 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients per day.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Know My Health

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Watch a Documentary

I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Spend Time Outside

I will replace 30 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Use an Energy Meter

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Choose a Carbon Offset

If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Upgrade Heating & Cooling Units

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Ditch the Lawn

I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save water, money, and time cutting the grass.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

More Fruits And Veggies

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 3 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Health

Healthy Sleep

I will commit to getting 60 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Health

Eliminate Toxic Plastics

I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Join a Local CSA

I will sign up for a local CSA (consumer-supported agriculture).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Take Control

Develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Track my Purchases

I will maintain a record of all my purchases.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Eat Meals Outside

I will eat 1 meal(s) outside each day.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Start Composting

I will start a compost collection at home, work, or school.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Limit Social Media

I will limit my social media use to once per day.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Eat Mindfully

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

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Insulate Water Pipes and Water Heater

I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Volunteer in my Community

I will volunteer 1 hour(s) in my community.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Fix Leaky Faucets

I will fix faucets that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet per day.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

De-Clutter my Home

I will de-clutter, clean, and donate or recycle unneeded items in my home.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Buy Only What I Need

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Collect Rain Water

I will create a rain garden or bioswale, or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Go for a Daily Walk

I will take a walk each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Nature

Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset

I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Transportation

Try Carpooling

I will commute by carpool 3 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to 1.69 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Just Drive Less

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Transportation

Use Public Transit

I will use public transit 50 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to 15.23 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Nature

Leave No Trace

I will practice the seven principles of leave no trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Waste

Find Local Recycling Depots

I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Smart Seafood Choices

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Exercise Daily

I will exercise daily for 60 minute(s) per day for two weeks.

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Say No to Seafood

I will not eat seafood.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Transportation

Work from Home

I will work from home 2 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Conduct Virtual Meetings

I will not travel for meetings and will instead conduct them virtually.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Simplicity

Work-Life Balance

I will not work more than 8 hour days each day.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Zero-Waste Cooking

I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero waste each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Whole Food Diet

I will enjoy 2 meal(s) per day free of processed foods.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Energy

Install Alternative Energy

I will install alternative energy systems, e.g., solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Eat Meatless Meals

I will enjoy 3 meatless meal(s) per day.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Join my Neighborhood Association

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Choose LED Bulbs

I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Use Reusable Bottles

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Advocate for more Food Options

I will advocate for local and/or organic food options at work or on campus.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Weekly Meal Planning

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Conserve Toilet Water

I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

100-Mile Diet

I'm up for a serious challenge! I will only eat food that has been raised and cultivated within a hundred-mile radius of where I live.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Cook New Recipes

I will cook a new recipe every day that features organic and/or local ingredients.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Locally-Sourced Meals

I will source 1 meal(s) per day from local producers.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Energy

Disable Screen Savers

I will disable screen savers and will put the computer to sleep instead, saving up to 28% % more energy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Explore my Area

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Install a Low-Flow Showerhead

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Consider Switching to an Electric Vehicle

Research or test drive an electric car or bike.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Have a Garage Sale

I will have a group garage sale with friends, family, and/or neighbors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Needs vs. Wants

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Recycle all Recyclable Materials

I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use Reusable Containers

I will only use reusable containers for my lunches at work or school.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Use Reusable Bags

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Mug

I will avoid sending 10 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Avoid Disposables

I will not use any disposable plates, cups, or cutlery.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Buy from a Farmers Market

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Try a New Way to Prep

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Go Get a Check Up

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Choose Clean/Renewable Energy

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Disconnect from Email

I will disconnect from my email when not at work.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Health

Happiness

I will write down three things every day for two weeks that I am grateful for or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Create Your Own Action

Veganism

Explore at least 2-3 things about Veganism. What do vegan eat, how do they get their source of iron and other critical vitamins? What are some of the health benefits associated with being a vegan? What are some of the drawbacks with veganism?

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Visit a Local Farm

I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Join an Outdoor Project

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Less Screen Time

I will replace 0 minute(s) of screen time per day with other activities.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Go Paperless

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing and/or unsubscribing from catalogs.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Organize a Course

I will organize NWEI's discussion course 'Voluntary Simplicity' with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Waste

Become a Master Recyler/Composter

I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Eco-friendly Gardening

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Simplicity

Support a Sharing Economy

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY 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?


  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/28/2016 12:51 PM
    My favorite one-time challenge in the Community Category was to connect with a non-profit in the community and learn more about them. I was very pleased with the end result of this challenge.  I also really enjoyed the one-time challenges around Food, Energy and Water.  I created a personal challenge around veganism, which I was able to attain.

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/28/2016 5:59 AM
    I am so grateful for this EcoChallenge! I have learned so much by simply participating and proactively taking action in the community and in my daily life to make small changes that continue to have such large impacts on the planet and our environment's well-being. The one-time challenges have been great because they have made me think outside the box and have allowed me to explore options.  I hope these kinds of Eco-Challenges continue to occur every year. I thoroughly enjoyed participating, working with my Team mates, encouraging others to post and get involved and make a difference!

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/26/2016 7:46 AM
    I am really trying to be more energy efficient around my place - trying to take into account high energy efficient measures to ensure that I am doing everything to conserve energy and reducing costs at the same time.

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/25/2016 1:10 PM
    I have been using eco-friendly cleaning products at home! Wow what a huge difference have they made! There are so many cost-effective products out there. With enough research, I was able to choose some great products.

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/25/2016 1:07 PM
    Everyone, this is the LAST week for the CR Eco-Challenge! Be sure to write down some progress you have made!

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/25/2016 12:12 PM
    Recently, I have been very conscious of water usage - I make sure my showers are short and when brushing my teeth, I close the tap!

    • Kevin Zacharyasz's avatar
      Kevin Zacharyasz 10/25/2016 1:02 PM
      Me too! To make sure that I am not going over 5 minutes I play two songs that equal about 4 and a half minutes so I know to wrap it up.

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/25/2016 6:05 AM
    I tried a new lentil recipe last night (10/24) and I also did two classes at the studio, which I am very proud of. Replaced two light bulbs with more energy efficient light bulbs.  :)

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/24/2016 12:57 PM
    I have been eating  a lot of home cooked vegetarian meals with fresh ingredients.  I have recently tried some new recipes with quinoa. I love how versatile it is.  I am also buying organic ingredients and I love to shop at Trader Joes.

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/24/2016 5:51 AM
    Recently took a course on planting a herb garden - what it involves, what are the steps involved in getting started and what some of the benefits are. It was very interesting!

  • Mittale Suchak's avatar
    Mittale Suchak 10/24/2016 5:46 AM
    Referring to one of my Eco-Challenges, having a garage sale.  I did not have one at my place.  But I just recently participated in one at my neighbors place. It was such a unique experience, especially since I have never had one myself.  You don't realize how many things you have until you put them on display!