Michele Brooks

The Standard - Employees, Family and Friends

"I nurture growth in humans and gardens, leaving the soil better than when I found it."

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
60 THIS WEEK
125 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.0

organic meal

consumed
UP TO

6.0

locally sourced meals

consumed
UP TO

0.3

pounds

food waste prevented
UP TO

0.7

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

17

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

120

minutes

spent outdoors

Michele'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.)

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Choose Organic Ingredients

Organic farming practices are healthier and safer for our planet, animals, and people. I will enjoy 2 meals cooked with organic ingredients per day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Eat Locally-Sourced Meals

I will source 2 meals each day from local producers.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Buy From a Farmers Market

I will shop at a farmers market or food co-op to support local farmers and businesses. By doing so, I may be able to learn more about who produces the food I eat and goods I buy.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Nature

Do a Nature Activity

I will engage in nature-based activities alone, or with my friends or family, for 20 minutes each day. (This can be anything from going on a walk or hike, to noticing the leaves changing color, to reading a book with nature themes.)

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Plan Meals for the Week

I will reduce food waste and save money by prepping for 2 meal(s) each day, only buying the ingredients I need.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Nature

Practice Gratitude for the Earth

I will spend 20 minutes per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and my natural surroundings.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

What is one food choice that you make, or could make, that would do more good and less harm?
Michele Brooks 10/07/2025 8:39 AM
- Eco-Conscious Consumer 🛍
I could choose to buy fewer processed items. But they are so fun! I guess I could make popcorn once a week instead of busting open a bag of puffed snacks.

Read More
- terter Terter 10/07/2025 10:52 AM
  
  Foodie 🍱
  i guese simply choice of cooking at home will help, by reducing the use of one-time container and utensil which is known for needing a thousand year to compose / or cannot be composed at all
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

What did you observe while spending time outside -- through sight, sound, smell and/or touch?
Michele Brooks 10/07/2025 8:37 AM
- Eco-Conscious Consumer 🛍
The day was bright and gorgeous. I enjoyed the colors of the foliage immensely, noting some of the plants in the demonstration garden. Along with my tiny dog I explored the edges and terrain of a huge park I am getting to know. It was good to really integrate how the park is laid out and begin to understand where I am in it in relationship to the road and homes around it.

Read More
Michele Brooks 10/06/2025 8:38 AM
- Eco-Conscious Consumer 🛍
I was curious about joining this effort, but now I find that I must check in daily my interest is waning. A weekly check in would suit me much better. Shall I drop out?

Read More
- Michele Brooks 10/07/2025 8:34 AM
  - Eco-Conscious Consumer 🛍
  Thanks, Mary. I didn't see a way to reply directly to you, so I hope you get notified about my response. First, thanks so much for your flexible approach to this effort. I was concerned about pulling your scores down within the challenge. I'll remain on the team due to your encouragement.
  
  Read More
- Mary Hanks 10/06/2025 4:29 PM
  - Pet Parent 🐾
  Michele, I hope you don't drop out! It does get kind of routine checking in all the time on the daily actions. However, it's been my experience that things get more interesting for me when I get into the one-time tasks, especially the ones that encourage me to read up on or listen to podcasts about specific issues and tactics. I found it very eye-opening to learn how things are done in my local community, such as energy generation, water provision, garbage and recycling processing. Now I know where to go to get answers or press for action by my elected representatives, and I've made connections with other environmentally-conscious people in my area; this has really expanded my capacity to effect change.
  
  And you don't have to check in daily if you don't want to or if it's not convenient for you. The Ecochallenge is all about empowering you to identify sustainable practices that work with your lifestyle. As a personal example, I'd love to use a bicycle to get around more, but as an older person in a huge city where folks drive like maniacs and the mayor is actually actively dismantling bike lanes, I don't feel like that's a safe thing for me to do. Instead, I've focused on using mass transit more. I know I'm still making a difference. I hope other people can share what's worked for them.
  
  Read More