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Kieran Wade's avatar

Kieran Wade

Guardians of The Green (LGTBQ+, Sustainability, MILVets, MIL, STAND, SOMOS, WIL ARG's)

"Learning how to make a positive impact and how to leave less of a negative footprint one step at a time."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,668 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    carbon footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    600
    gallons of water
    saved
  • UP TO
    1.0
    water footprint
    calculated
  • UP TO
    1,567
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    2.0
    sharing economies
    explored
  • UP TO
    1.0
    hour
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    3.0
    community events
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    3.0
    ideas
    shared
  • UP TO
    2.0
    new places
    explored
  • UP TO
    135
    minutes
    spent learning

Kieran's actions

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME 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.

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Exercise Daily

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 30 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

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 30
DAILY ACTIONS

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 30
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 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Well-Being

Prepare for Extreme Weather

Extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods can disrupt lives and upend our communities. I will take proactive steps to prepare for extreme weather by safeguarding my home and creating or updating an emergency plan and kit with essential supplies, evacuation routes, and contact information.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Go Get a Check Up

Regular health check-ups help prevent problems before they start. I will schedule or attend a medical, dental, or mental health check-up to take care of my well-being.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Reduce Vehicle Idling

Idling cars wastes fuel, contributes to climate change, and pollutes the air in our communities. I will turn off my engine when waiting in my car to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

COMPLETED 30
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

Join a Group

Belonging to a group can help build friendships and a sense of purpose. I will explore online or in-person groups or clubs that share my interests or goals and join a group to connect with others.

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

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Share Information about Local Resources

Knowledge of local resources helps communities thrive. I will learn about local resources, especially mutual aid groups, and share them with others on social media, in conversations, or in other ways that help spread the word.

COMPLETED
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 30 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 2 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn How to Save the Bees

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 30 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 2 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Swap and Share with Others

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 2 swaps or sharing activities, like borrowing items, attending or hosting a swap meet, or giving away items I no longer need to support a sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.

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 15 minutes researching options for growing plants either inside or outside.

COMPLETED
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 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 15 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Host a Gathering

Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Well-Being

Audit Toxic Products in my Home

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 15 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

COMPLETED
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?


  • Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:48 AM
    Team, it has been an amazing journey with you all this year! I hope we all feel an invigorated drive to make a difference the rest of the year. Make sure all your reflection questions are complete -- and see you at the finish line!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Sustainable Innovation
    What sustainable product did you purchase, and how does it align with your values?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:47 AM
    Compostable litter bags and bamboo toothbrushes! I'm getting more and more used to checking the packaging for sustainability labels now instead of just throwing things into the cart. We have to be mindful!
  • 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?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:42 AM
    This has been the most life-altering new habit for me. Adding regular exercise to my schedule has made a massive change to both my mood and energy levels. I'm still tired most of the time (adulthood, am I right?) but I have a lot more energy and endurance for active tasks than I did before and I am a lot prouder of my health. This is another one I'm going to keep up with!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    How did being mindful of vehicle idling change your perspective on fuel consumption and air quality? What other transportation habits can you adopt to reduce your environmental impact?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:41 AM
    My car has an idling shut-off button that I was hesitant to use before to the ecochallenge but am addicted to now. Every time I come to a full stop at a red light and it does not shut my engine off, I get upset! I'm still fine-tuning it, but it's a new habit I don't see myself breaking anytime soon.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    How did shortening your showers affect your awareness of water conservation? What other water-saving practices can you adopt in your daily routine?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:39 AM
    This has been fun. I love routine and efficiency and have never been one to require soaking under a hot shower unless I'm aching something fierce, so it feels like a game to me. Still... The time that it takes for the water to heat up is an extra level of water waste that can be shaved down. I still want a graywater system in the future!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Land, Water, and Air
    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?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:38 AM
    Being mindful of water use just made me all the more aware of all the other times we run water when we don't need to. I find myself turning the faucet off more often now and properly planning out the most efficient way to wash our dishes.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health and Well-Being
    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?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/30/2025 8:37 AM
    I certainly have not overcome my addiction to sugar, but I'm more mindful of my treats now. This one is going to be my greatest challenge moving forward, but I think this past month of cutting back has been a major first step!

  • Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/29/2025 6:27 AM
    With only two days left, we need to review our one-time tasks, complete what we can, and swap out what we cannot.
  • 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?

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/29/2025 6:24 AM
    I'm a regular farmer's market attendee, but the market doesn't start up again in my area until after the ecochallenge is over, so the events I attended were concerts :) I feel like I'm bending the instructions of the task a bit, but I did end up integrating into the community more through both events. I went alone, made friends both times, and familiarized myself with the public transit system. I'm feeling more and more like a local each month that passes!

    • Jennifer T's avatar
      Jennifer T 4/30/2025 5:43 AM
      • Parent 🐻
      • 17-DAY STREAK
      That is so awesome! I hope you continue to become a local!

    • Kim-Marie Schulze's avatar
      Kim-Marie Schulze 4/29/2025 6:42 AM
      • Plant Parent 🪴
      • 16-DAY STREAK
      I think its very cool that you are challenging yourself to find connection in your community Kieran!
  • 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!

    Kieran Wade's avatar
    Kieran Wade 4/29/2025 6:21 AM
    I finally redid my planting containers yesterday. I cleared the old dried-out plants, topped up the dirt, and sowed fresh seeds! I also covered the pots with wire mesh to keep the squirrels out -- let's see if that works. I've planted a few herbs and a lot of pollinating flowers. I can't wait to bring some color to my back porch.

    • Kerry Keck's avatar
      Kerry Keck 4/29/2025 6:43 AM
      Excellent.

      Sometimes procastinating is a good thing: many native, solitary bees overwinter in the stems of plants. So by cutting them back and/or pulling out the old plant all together leads to a negative outcome for pollinators.