The People's Ecochallenge 2024

October 1 - October 31, 2024

Olena Sytar

"By making conscious choices and taking responsible actions, I can create a healthier, more vibrant planet for future generations."

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
947 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

131

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

540

minutes

of additional sleep
UP TO

10

donations

made
UP TO

2.0

trees

planted
UP TO

195

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

25

minutes

spent learning

Olena's actions

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Happiness

I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for, or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Try a New Way to Prep

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Go Get a Check Up

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Switch to Cold Water

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Heat and Cool Naturally

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Donate Food

I will find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Adjust the Thermostat

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Transportation

Improve a Bus Stop

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or some other small improvement.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset

I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Nature

Plant Trees

I will plant 2 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Healthy Sleep

Effectively working for sustainability requires self care! I will commit to getting 30 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

Olena Sytar 10/31/2024 5:46 PM
I am very thankful to be a part of this Eco Challenge. Baby steps in being mindful and conscious will get a better future.

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Olena Sytar 10/31/2024 5:30 PM
This was an amazing October - I became more conscious with my choices and started to appreciate nature more. I also started to sleep better and feel great overall.

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Olena Sytar 10/28/2024 2:05 PM
Mt. St. Helens never cease to amaze me. I am glad that ecochallenge 2024 is bringing attention to our impact on the world we live in.

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- Jeanne Poirier 10/28/2024 7:51 PM
  Remember when it was Mount vanilla ice cream cone before it blew up. I watched this and breathed months/years of volcanic dust. Great photo and thanks for appreciating it for us!
  
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Olena Sytar 10/28/2024 1:58 PM
One of my goals for October was to spend more time outdoors. And this is a picture from one of my hikes - I was blessed to see a rainbow!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transportation

How can you advocate for transportation systems which minimize environmental impact while also meeting human needs?
Olena Sytar 10/24/2024 12:38 PM
Living in PNW, I advocate for eco-friendly transportation by supporting investments in public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. I encourage local policies promoting electric buses and carpooling. Using greener options like biking or walking helps meet our needs while reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impact.

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- Jeanne Poirier 10/24/2024 12:51 PM
  Thanks for this work and advocacy! I participate in 350WA Civic Action Team during the legislative sessions. Here in greater Wenatchee WA area we are blessed to have LINK Transit - electric buses, free fare and connections throughout the greater valley!
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

How is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?
Olena Sytar 10/24/2024 12:33 PM
Planting trees benefits mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation in nature. Physically, it encourages movement and outdoor activity - and for someone who spends 8 hours in front of the computer - it's so crucial. Spiritually, it connects you to the earth, fostering a sense of purpose and harmony with nature, which can bring inner peace and fulfillment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health

How do you practice self care?
Olena Sytar 10/24/2024 12:28 PM
I practice self-care by prioritizing sleep, exercising regularly, and eating balanced meals. I also meditate to manage stress (even 5 minutes a day is enough) and spending time outdoors. Setting boundaries and saying "no" when needed helps me protect my mental and emotional well-being.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

Why do you donate food? How does it connect to your values?
Olena Sytar 10/23/2024 3:22 PM
I donate food because I believe in the importance of supporting my community and helping those in need. It’s a way to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs, which aligns with my values of compassion and empathy. By donating food, I feel like I’m contributing to a more caring society.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

Consider the ways you can garden: a plot of land? a patio container? hanging basket? windowsill gardens? What would work best for your living situation and lifestyle?
Olena Sytar 10/23/2024 3:21 PM
A patio container garden or windowsill garden would work best for me. I can grow herbs, small veggies, or flowers in containers that fit my space and are easy to manage (I have zero land). It's a flexible option that lets me garden without needing a yard.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

Canning and pickling food is a great way to have delicious summer fruits and vegetables all year round. Just make sure to follow the canning and pickling guidelines from the USDA or another trusted source. What are some foods that you would like to preserve and enjoy later in the year?
Olena Sytar 10/23/2024 3:17 PM
I'd love to preserve tomatoes, cucumbers, and peaches. Homemade pickles are always a hit, and canned tomatoes are perfect for soups and sauces in the winter. Peaches would be great for making pies or just enjoying as a sweet treat later in the year.

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