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 to15locally sourced mealsconsumed
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up to15meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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up to15organic mealsconsumed
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up to15outdoor mealsconsumed
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up to45zero-waste mealsconsumed
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up to30milestraveled by bike
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up to120milestraveled by foot
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up to128pounds of CO2have been saved
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up to3.0lightbulbsreplaced
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up to450minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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up to30disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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up to3.2pounds of paperhave been saved
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up to240plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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up to920gallons of waterhave been saved
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up to450minutesspent exercising
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up to225minutesof additional sleep
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up to150conversationswith people
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up to1.0hoursvolunteered
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up to30peoplehelped
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up to2,715minutesspent outdoors
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 (___) 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 (___) 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.
Feed
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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!-
Deborah McNamara (EcoChallenge Staff) 10/21/2016 9:44 AMYes!
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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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