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Helen Penate's avatar

Helen Penate

CSU Channel Islands

Helen's points

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 541 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    580
    gallons of water
    saved

Helen's actions

Take the Pre-Survey

Take the Pre-Event Survey

I’ll take a short pre-survey to share what motivated me to join — and earn 15 points! (If I already took the survey by email, I’ll just mark this action complete to get my points.)

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

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 27
DAILY ACTIONS

Soil and Food

Choose Water-Smart Foods

The foods we eat carry hidden “water footprints” that affect rivers, soils, and communities worldwide. I will reduce servings of high-water-use foods and choose alternatives that help conserve water and support more resilient food systems.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Share My Why

Share My Why

I will share my Ecochallenge story and why I'm taking action for the planet — and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Personal

Reduce Refined Sugar

Cutting back on refined sugar can improve energy, mood, and overall health. I will limit my intake of sugary snacks and drinks by reducing refined sugar in meals or snacks each day.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

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 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Share My Why

Take the Earth Month Ecochallenge Feedback Survey

I will take a short survey about my experience to help the Ecochallenge team improve future events, earn a chance to win a prize, and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed


  • Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/29/2026 12:02 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    Nature truly gives back. I love watching the sunset :)

  • Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/29/2026 12:00 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    As this month comes to an end, I've really noticed how much little changes in my routine have made a difference. Reducing just 1 minute from your shower, makes a difference. Making a change doesn't need to be a big change at once, it is a steady improvement.

    • Sonam R's avatar
      Sonam R 4/29/2026 12:41 PM
      • Community Builder 🤝
      Love it, I am so glad to read how this created an impact for you.. Good job

  • Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/22/2026 12:48 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    Rainbow after rain! It amazes me every time, the amazing things nature allows us to see.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water
    How did changing your dishwashing habits make you more mindful of water use? What other small changes can you make to conserve water in your household?

    Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/22/2026 12:43 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    Being more aware and learning to turn off the water as I'm scrubbing the dishes, allowed me to see how much water I was wasting by not doing the simple task of turning off the water. It's about being mindful and turning off the water when it's not necessary for it to be on. I can scrub my dishes and then quickly turn on the water to clean off the soap, all while not wasting as much water.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Soil and Food
    What foods did you discover have a large water footprint? How might shifting your diet help conserve both water and soil health?

    Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/08/2026 1:28 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    Beef has a large water footprint, I've gradually started to have more of a plant based diet. Even changing one meal a week to plant based, makes a difference. Every little change, adds to creating a bigger change to conserve water.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Personal
    Before you started this challenge, did you think you were 'addicted' to sugar? How do you feel now? What was the most challenging part of reducing refined sugar, and how did you overcome it?

    Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/03/2026 12:54 AM
    • Book Lover 📚
    Before starting this challenge, I wouldn’t say I was addicted to sugar, I just wasn’t as mindful about the large amounts of refined sugar that was in almost everything we eat. I also wasn’t as aware of how bad refined sugars is for the environment, I feel like now I’ve changed my approach on how I see refined sugar. It’s not only about making a better choice for myself, but also the environment. The most challenging part about reducing refined sugar is that it’s in everything, it’s really difficult to get away from it.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water
    How did shortening your showers affect your awareness of water conservation? What other water-saving practices can you adopt in your daily routine?

    Helen Penate's avatar
    Helen Penate 4/01/2026 12:42 PM
    • Book Lover 📚
    Shortening my showers showed me that even 5 minutes that you take away from your normal time, can make a huge difference. It's things like turning off your sink while you scrub your hands, little things like that can save gallons of water.