Karl Horak
10/15/2024 3:15 PM
I drive a Prius hybrid, but need something with more ground clearance. Maybe it's time for an all-electric SUV.
Karl Horak
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 188 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO18lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO70minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO100minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO15minutesspent learning
Karl's actions
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 18 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Nature
Keep a Nature Journal
I will journal each day about my experiences in nature.
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
Nature
Do Nature Activities
I will engage in nature-based activities alone, or with my friends or family, for 15 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.)
Nature
Practice Gratitude for Earth
I will spend 20 minutes per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and my natural surroundings.
Energy
Invite a Friend to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of their Household
Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.
Simplicity
Meditate
I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 10 minutes each day to reflect on things important to me.
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?
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Karl Horak 10/15/2024 3:16 PMHow's my ecochallenge 2024 going? Not good. A serious flair-up of sciatica has really limited my time outdoors in nature.
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Mary Hanks 10/15/2024 5:56 PMKarl, I'm sorry you're being affected this way. My nature time is also sometimes limited by health issues, and I find it so frustrating not to be able to be outside when the weather is fine. We don't get too many days in Houston when the weather is neither too hot or too cold. I hope you at least have a good view of the outdoors. -
Kerry Keck 10/15/2024 4:56 PMI’m sorry. I experienced that once, and it is quite painful. Here’s hoping your flair ends as quickly as it came.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric VehicleReducing (or eliminating) exhaust emissions and improving public health are two benefits of green vehicles. What other motivators inspire you to consider switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicity MeditateWhat would you like to invest more time in reflecting on?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONNature Keep a Nature JournalWhat natural gifts are you grateful for?
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Karl Horak 10/06/2024 8:35 PMMissed a couple days 'cuz my sciatica has flared up.-
Deepali Shanbhag 10/06/2024 10:07 PMI'm sorry to hear that your sciatica has flared up. That can be really tough to deal with. Make sure to take care of yourself and rest up.
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Karl Horak 10/01/2024 12:12 PMSpend time outside feeding the box turtles. Normally, they should have stopped eating and begun prepping their systems for over-winter brumation. Instead, it's 93° and they're still active. Climate change, anyone? -
REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergy Choose LED BulbsSwitching out your lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! In what other ways can you exercise your civic duty to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions?
Karl Horak 10/01/2024 12:07 PMUse public transportation, biking, walking, electric or hybrid vehicle. Eat less meat. Become a locavore. -
Karl Horak 9/30/2024 3:14 PMReady, steady, go! It's that time again. Hoping the BioPark sets up a team this month; otherwise, it's the community team for me.