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Samantha Mathias's avatar

Samantha Mathias

M&H Earth Advocates

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 75 THIS WEEK
  • 181 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    2.0
    new places
    explored
  • UP TO
    3.0
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    1.0
    product
    replaced
  • UP TO
    1.0
    carbon footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    4.0
    single-use bags
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    10
    minutes
    spent learning

Samantha's actions

Wildlife

Use Reusable Bags

Plastic bags do not always end up in landfills and if they aren't properly disposed of. In nature, they can be mistaken for food by many wild animals and harm wildlife. When I go shopping, I will be sure to bring my own bags to reduce waste and the chance that plastic bags could find their way into wildlife habitats.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Reducing energy use helps protect the air and climate. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy and reduce pollution.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Learn About Water Justice

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 10 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Save Water When Washing Dishes

Dishwashers can save water — if used wisely. I will only run the dishwasher when it’s full and skip the pre-rinse to reduce water and energy use. If I don't have a dishwasher, I will turn off the tap as often as possible while washing dishes.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Take Shorter Showers

Conserving water helps protect this precious resource. I will shorten my showers to 5 minutes to save water and reduce energy use - each time saving up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water!

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Join a Cleanup Effort

Working together to clean up public spaces helps the environment and builds community. I will participate in 1 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn How to Save the Bees

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 10 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

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 10 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 10 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Plant (or Adopt) a Plant

Landscaping with native plants, gardening, and having plants inside can have benefits for nature and our health. I will plant or adopt a new plant or grow one from seeds and post a photo of it to the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to Grow Plants Your Way

Growing plants can be rewarding and can create habitats big and small for wildlife. And, we can grow things almost anywhere! I will spend 10 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Enjoy a Meatless Meal

Producing 1 kg of beef emits as much greenhouse gas as driving 150 miles, meanwhile, 1 kg of veggies or grains leaves a much lighter footprint! This week, I’ll shrink my climate impact by having 1 meatless meals and/or 1 vegan meals each day.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 1 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

Health and Well-Being

Audit Toxic Products in my Home

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 10 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Enjoy the Outdoors for 30 Minutes

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, then share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the feed.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Replace a Product

Small changes can make a big difference for health and sustainability. Using what I learned from auditing ingredients in the products I use, I will replace 3 toxic or harmful products I use with safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Choose a Product Made with Sustainable Materials

Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.

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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    How did it feel to plant something, and what kind of gardening did you do (indoors, hydroponic, outside in a garden, etc)? What did you plant and where? Feel free to share a photo to the feed!

    Samantha Mathias's avatar
    Samantha Mathias 4/17/2025 6:28 AM
    • 3-DAY STREAK
    We are planting our first vegetable garden!

    • Samantha Mathias's avatar
      Samantha Mathias 4/17/2025 7:15 AM
      • 3-DAY STREAK
      We are planting basil, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, garlic, peppers, jalapenos, and thyme!


    • SONY ESTIPULAR's avatar
      SONY ESTIPULAR 4/17/2025 6:30 AM
      • Adventurer 🏔
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Cool. What vegetable you intend to grow?
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    Are you a gardener or house plant lover? Why or why not? What do you need to elevate your plant care skills?

    Samantha Mathias's avatar
    Samantha Mathias 4/17/2025 6:27 AM
    • 3-DAY STREAK
    We are starting our very first vegetable garden at our new home, so I had to research all about it!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    What product did you replace, and why was it important to you? How do you feel about making a small change for a healthier, more sustainable home?

    Samantha Mathias's avatar
    Samantha Mathias 4/17/2025 6:27 AM
    • 3-DAY STREAK
    It was only one, but we are replacing our bottle of dish soap with a soap block! Less plastic and packaging waste, plus we know what is in it (less harmful chemicals!)

    • Jeff Lancaster's avatar
      Jeff Lancaster 4/17/2025 6:44 AM
      Using more glass containers lately myself. Reusing is always better. Got to get out of the habit of plastics. Bio-Degradable plastic is on the horizon in mainstream.

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community and Connection
    What new places or experiences did you discover in your local area? How has exploring your community changed your perspective or sense of connection?

    Samantha Mathias's avatar
    Samantha Mathias 4/11/2025 5:51 AM
    • 3-DAY STREAK
    My husband (who is a new police officer) wanted to make sure he knew the streets and community well, so we walked around downtown to learn the area and meet new people!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    Where in your life do you emit the most carbon? What change are you willing to make in your daily life to reduce this output?

    Samantha Mathias's avatar
    Samantha Mathias 4/03/2025 10:14 AM
    • 3-DAY STREAK
    My highest carbon emissions are the highest for travel (for me is the car) so I will try to see if there are other ways to get to local areas and bike/walk from there!

    • Christina Seri's avatar
      Christina Seri 4/04/2025 1:58 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • Earth Advocate 📣
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      Exploring alternate modes of transportation sounds like a fun adventure!