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Kristy DeCola's avatar

Kristy DeCola

Allegheny County

POINTS TOTAL

  • 30 TODAY
  • 185 THIS WEEK
  • 516 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    3.0
    new places
    explored
  • UP TO
    7.0
    pieces of litter
    picked up
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    892
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    1.0
    community event
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    23
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    3.0
    hours
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    7.0
    local or diverse businesses
    supported
  • UP TO
    22
    minutes
    spent learning

Kristy's actions

Land, Water, and Air

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Calculate My Carbon Impact

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Learn about the Magic of Seaweed

Seaweed is a powerful ally for the planet. I will spend 5 minutes learning how seaweed can improve ocean health, capture carbon, support sustainable food systems, and inspire eco-friendly products.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Keep My Community Clean

A clean community benefits everyone. Each day I am outside, I will pick up 4 pieces of litter to keep my community clean.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Attend a Local Event

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend 3 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 3 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Check In with a Friend or Colleague

Staying connected strengthens relationships and boosts well-being. Each day, I will reach out to 4 friends or colleagues to check in, have a meaningful conversation, or offer support.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Visit or Learn About a Culturally Significant Site Near Me

Sites of cultural and spiritual significance hold deep meaning for many communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. I will learn about or visit a site near me that is significant to the history, culture, or environment of the area. I will approach my visit with respect by researching its importance and guidelines beforehand, reflecting on how we can preserve these spaces for future generations.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Learn about Waste and Recycling

I will be attending a lunch and learn about waste and recycling. My goal is to actually learn the most updated recycling methods to learn the best practices. I want to do this in order to learn the most effective ways to recycle.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Exercise Daily

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 20 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Offer a Skill or Service

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Support Local Businesses

Supporting local businesses helps keep communities vibrant and resilient. I will choose to shop at 1 local businesses or restaurants, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color, local farmers, or community members.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Attend Recycling & Waste Reduction Lunch & Learn

April 25

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to be a Responsible Tourist

Being a responsible tourist means not disturbing wildlife and choosing eco-friendly tour operators and destinations that prioritize wildlife conservation and respect animal welfare. I will spend 5 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 5 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn How to Save the Bees

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 5 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME 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?


  • Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/17/2025 1:01 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    It's been going great! I've learned a great deal, particularly about seaweed and it's positive impact on the environment as well as people. I have been inspired to try different seaweed snacks due to the health benefits.

  • Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/17/2025 12:59 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    It's been going great! I've been learning a great deal about many different topics. I particularly enjoy learning about seaweed. It has inspired me to get into seaweed snacks as they have many health benefits.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What did you enjoy or learn from attending a local event in your community? How did participating in this event deepen your connection to your local area?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/15/2025 12:46 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    I went to a conference. It was really wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who all share the same values and dedication.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What did you learn about the sacred site’s history and significance? Why are these sites important to protect, support, and understand?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/14/2025 9:03 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    I learned how important the site is to the local community. It is important to protect and support history sites so that we can learn from them.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    How did keeping your community more clean connect you more to your local area? Did picking up litter change your perspective on the cleanliness of your community?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/04/2025 10:10 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    Helping to pick-up garbage, really instills a sense of pride. I don't know anyone who enjoys being out and about and seeing trash lying all over the place. It is so much nicer to be outside without garbage everywhere. I also thing about the impact garbage has on the local wildlife and health of the rivers.

    • Val  Merlina's avatar
      Val Merlina 4/16/2025 12:14 PM
      • Wildlife Guardian 🦉
      • 15-DAY STREAK
      Thank you for doing this work!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    What surprised you most about your water footprint, and how did it influence your perspective on water use? What changes can you make to reduce your water consumption, and how will these impact your daily routine?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/03/2025 12:10 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    Some of these things I already do to try and cut down on the amount of water I use per day. I found it interesting that is takes so much more water to make a cup of coffee as opposed to a cup of tea. Good thing I prefer tea! I will admit that I enjoy a bath, it's my way of relaxing, but I have been doing more showers and a bath maybe once or twice a week instead.

    • Carmen  Deale's avatar
      Carmen Deale 4/03/2025 12:22 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Exercise Lover 🤸
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Interesting that it takes more water to a make a cup of coffeee than tea. I prefer tea as well. Thanks for sharing Kristy.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    How did exercising each day impact your physical or mental well-being? What activity did you enjoy most, and why?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/02/2025 1:08 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    I enjoy taking a walk, particularity during my lunchtime. It helps me re-energize for the afternoon by getting some fresh air and moving around for a bit. I also have started doing an exercise where I climb the stairs to the 5th floor once a day. I have noticed that it's getting easier. When I started I was out of breathe by the 3rd floor. now I'm getting to the 4th floor before that happens. My goal is to be doing this twice a day, morning and afternoon.

    • Alyssa Ortiz-Williams's avatar
      Alyssa Ortiz-Williams 4/02/2025 1:11 PM
      • Exercise Lover 🤸
      • 14-DAY STREAK
      Thanks for the inspiration! After lunch today, I decided to start taking the stairs instead of the elevator on the days I'm in the office. It's only day one, but I'm hoping I can stick with it through the whole challenge—wish me luck!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What skill or service did you offer, and how did it impact someone in your community? How did sharing your expertise or time help you feel more connected to others?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/02/2025 1:05 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    Today I volunteered with an organization that provides high schoolers with free prom attire. I helped a few girls get some great prom outfits by using previous skills I learned in retail.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Sustainable Innovation
    What new insights did you gain about seaweed’s role in combating environmental challenges? Were you surprised how many products you may already be using contain seaweed?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/01/2025 11:51 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    It's really fascinating to learn how what appears to be a simple plant can have such an impact on the health of the oceans and environment as a whole. What a sustainable product!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What did you learn about the businesses or owners you supported? How does shopping locally contribute to a more vibrant and resilient community?

    Kristy DeCola's avatar
    Kristy DeCola 4/01/2025 10:33 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    • 14-DAY STREAK
    This business is a woman-owned coffee shop and deli. Shopping locally helps provide local people with an income, storefronts with businesses which brings people to the area all of which helps to build community.