Spencer Leeman
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 948 TOTAL
participant impact
-
UP TO72pounds of CO2have been saved
-
UP TO46pieces of litterpicked up
-
UP TO24plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO1.0water footprintcalculated
-
UP TO5.0hoursvolunteered
-
UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
-
UP TO600minutesspent outdoors
-
UP TO1.0treeplanted
-
UP TO305minutesspent learning
Spencer's actions
Climate + Air
Stay on the Ground
Carbon emissions from air travel is harmful to planetary and human health. Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).
Freshwater + Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
We need to support healthy seafood populations. I will spend 30 minutes learning about sustainable seafood choices, commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean, and share what I learned on the feed.
Land + Forests
Zero Waste Day
The impacts of our waste are far reaching. I will create zero waste for an entire day and share my reflections and learnings on the feed.
Land + Forests
Plant Trees
Trees capture carbon and produce oxygen that is essential to life on earth. I will support this important piece of nature by organizing or joining a community group to plant 5 native trees in my community, public parks, office location, campus or backyard.
Freshwater + Oceans
Low Water Gardening
Grass lawns are water-intensive and on average require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. Native plants are water-efficient and help maintain the balance and diversity of local ecosystems. I will plant native species with water-efficient plants to conserve water and improve the habitat, then post a photo on the feed to share.
Freshwater + Oceans
Reduce Pollutants in Cleaning
Understanding cleaning product ingredients and their effect on water and biodiversity is helpful to our consumer choices. I will spend 30 minutes learning about how cleaning products affect our water and try making my own cleaning products to reduce pollutants.
Action Track: Community
Borrow Before I Buy
Why buy something I will only use once or a few times if someone nearby has it for me to borrow, and why not share something I have that someone may only need a few times a year? To reduce my consumption and waste, I will create or support the sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.
Action Track: Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 8 hours in my community.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Leave No Trace
I will respect and protect biotic communities by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace whenever I am outside.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Grow Local
I will research and plant a garden filled with native fruits, vegetables, and flowers to nurture local wildlife and ecosystems. I will find nearby nurseries that offer plants native to my area.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Save the Bees
Bees are vital to ecosystems. To help save the bees, I will learn which local flowers provide nectar and plant them in my backyard or in a pot on my balcony.
Freshwater + Oceans
Say No to Plastic Straws
An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When marine wildlife ingest plastic, they have a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 5 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.
Freshwater + Oceans
Understand My Water Footprint
Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.
Land + Forests
Explore My Area
When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 30 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood, office, or campus (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).
Land + Forests
30 for 30 in Nature
Studies have shown that when we spend consistent time in nature, our health improves, our creativity increases, and our connection to the planet gets stronger. Each day of the Ecochallenge, I will spend 30 minutes outside (in a large or small patch of nature), then share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the feed.
Land + Forests
Keep My Community Clean
At times it may not feel like it's up to us to keep our community clean and healthy, but we all have a role to play. Each day I am outside, I will pick up any litter I see.
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?
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests Plant TreesHow is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?
Spencer Leeman 4/30/2024 10:52 AMMentally I was proud of myself for taking the time to make an impact on my environment. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests Zero Waste DayWhat was hard about having a Zero Waste Day? What did you learn about yourself and your habits?
Spencer Leeman 4/30/2024 10:51 AMWhat I found most challenging was finding food products that came in decomposable bags. If I had a mid day snack of chips or granola bar I was producing waste with the wrappers. So challenging myself to find snacks that I could pack in reusable bads to reduce that waste. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONClimate + Air Stay on the GroundWhat was your process like for restructuring your trip? How can you avoid more air travel in the future?
Spencer Leeman 4/30/2024 10:48 AMInstead of planning destination trips. Look for local places to venture to and enjoy. Even just a few hours drive can take you to new places to explore.-
Hunter Short 4/30/2024 10:57 AMI agree, there are lots of things to do locally
-
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Community Volunteer in my CommunityHow does volunteering enhance your community and/or change your relationship with it?
Spencer Leeman 4/30/2024 10:47 AMI volunteered at a water station for a local marathon. Seeing the community come together for a great cause was something I was proud to be a part of. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests Keep My Community CleanHow does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
Spencer Leeman 4/30/2024 10:46 AMWith challenging myself to be more aware of my surroundings within my community-as I am trying to pick up litter- it has me more connected and prouder of being a part of making my community a better place. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBiodiversity + Wildlife Grow LocalHow did it feel to plant something native in your area to support local wildlife and biodiversity? What did you plant? Please consider adding a photo.
Spencer Leeman 4/30/2024 10:44 AMI planted a mix of local wild flower seeds to help bring pollinators into my garden. -
Spencer Leeman 4/08/2024 6:14 AMToday I plan to spend part of my time outdoors observing and enjoying the eclipse! -
Spencer Leeman 4/08/2024 6:13 AMI plan to spend time outside today to enjoy the eclipse! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBiodiversity + Wildlife Save the BeesWhat did you plant for bees in your area? Please consider uploading a photo!
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests 30 for 30 in NatureWhat have you noticed about how it feels to spend consistent time outside?
Spencer Leeman 4/04/2024 10:55 AMOn my lunch breaks I have started setting time to go find a quiet space outside on warmer sunny days and have found it very relaxing and recharges my metal state to finish the day in a positive mood.