Shawn Coleman
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 131 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO14locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO4.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO2.0donationsmade
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UP TO15minutesspent exercising
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UP TO10conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
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UP TO8.0hoursvolunteered
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UP TO150minutesspent 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.)
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.
Health
Eliminate Toxic Plastics
I will avoid buying toxic plastics - including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl - and instead replace them with durable non-plastic options.
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.
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.
Community
Volunteer in My Community
I will volunteer 8 hours in my community during the challenge.
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.
Food
Try a New Way to Prep
I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.
Community
Learn About Constructive Communication
I will spend 15 minutes learning about constructive communication.
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.
Energy
Choose LED Bulbs
I will replace 5 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
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.
Energy
Turn Off Lights and Electronics
I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
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.
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.
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.
Food
Plant an Herb Garden
I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.
Participant Feed
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Shawn Coleman 10/21/2025 9:14 AMI’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 10/23/2025 8:19 PMPlarn: 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.