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October 1 - October 31, 2025
Shawn Coleman's avatar

Shawn Coleman

Engie - ACTIVATE!

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 131 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    14
    locally sourced meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    4.0
    lightbulbs
    replaced
  • UP TO
    2.0
    donations
    made
  • UP TO
    15
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    10
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    1.0
    advocacy action
    completed
  • UP TO
    8.0
    hours
    volunteered
  • UP TO
    150
    minutes
    spent learning

Shawn'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

Community

Engage In Active Listening

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 10 conversations.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Eliminate Toxic Plastics

I will avoid buying toxic plastics - including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl - and instead replace them with durable non-plastic options.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty

I will watch 1 documentaries about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Donate Food in My Community

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

Community

Volunteer in My Community

I will volunteer 8 hours in my community during the challenge.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME 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

Food

Try a New Way to Prep

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Learn About Constructive Communication

I will spend 15 minutes learning about constructive communication.

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 1
DAILY ACTION

Energy

Choose LED Bulbs

I will replace 5 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Energy

Turn Off Lights and Electronics

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY 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 1
DAILY ACTION

Energy

Upgrade My Windows or Weatherstripping

I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Exercise Daily

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 10 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed


  • Shawn Coleman's avatar
    Shawn Coleman 10/21/2025 9:14 AM
    I’ve become deeply committed to reducing my environmental impact—particularly when it comes to plastic use. Rather than relying solely on recycling, I’ve focused on repurposing plastics in creative and practical ways.
    Here are a few steps I’ve taken:
    • Switched to ceramic water filters to eliminate bottled water from my routine. I learned that overproduction of plastics is a major issue, and recycling isn’t nearly as effective as it’s often portrayed. Many plastics still end up in our dumps or are incinerated, contributing to air pollution.
    • Repurposed plastic containers for use in container gardening, giving them a second life instead of discarding them.
    • Upgraded to titanium cutting boards to avoid plastic-based kitchen tools.
    • Reused shopping bags I’ve collected over time, and when they wear out, I turn them into plarn (plastic yarn) instead of throwing them away.
    I’m currently brainstorming ways to use the plarn creatively—if anyone has ideas or experience with plarn projects, I’d love to hear them!
    Ultimately, I believe the core issue is the overproduction of plastics. By making intentional choices in my daily life, I hope to contribute to a more sustainable future and inspire others to do the same.

    • Shawna Troyer's avatar
      Shawna Troyer 10/23/2025 8:19 PM
      Plarn: I have a friend that weaves, and turned them into placemats and bags. Mostly I think crocheting them into reusable bags is a common use.