George L Settlemier

SUS 304 Fall 25

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
636 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

10

locally sourced meals

consumed
UP TO

12

zero-waste meals

consumed
UP TO

2.0

pounds

food waste prevented
UP TO

4.3

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

3.3

pounds of paper

have been saved
UP TO

252

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

1.0

water collection system

installed
UP TO

141

minutes

spent learning

George L's actions

Waste

Repurpose containers for plant potting

I but various yogurts and plastic containers that I are usually recycled, and some of these actions are very similar to this action. But I wanted to make a specific action for how many containers can be repurposed for other uses.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY 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

Nature

Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 30 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Take 5-Minute Showers

I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

COMPLETED 25
DAILY ACTIONS

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

Waste

Go Paperless and Opt Out of Junk Mail

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Practice Zero-Waste Cooking

Food waste hurts our planet and our communities. I will cook 1 meals with zero waste each day.

COMPLETED 11
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

Food

Eat Locally-Sourced Meals

I will source 1 meals each day from local producers.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Collect Rain Water for Outdoor Use

I will create a rain garden or bioswale or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME 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?
George L Settlemier 10/04/2025 12:56 PM
- Plant Parent 🪴
In general choosing food that is locally grown and of organic origin can go a long way if a community is supporting it. By buying local/organic I can support the businesses that are providing the service while also making sure I am eating the cleanest sourced food possible. I think it also does largescale good too when you become part of the solution, not supporting the industry that prioritizes waste and production over health. Eating clean is good for health and society!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

Reducing your paper mail can reduce mental clutter as well as physical waste -- by reducing what is coming in, you can reduce what is going into the recycling bin too. How does it make you feel? What is the next step you will take to reduce your waste?
George L Settlemier 10/04/2025 12:53 PM
- Plant Parent 🪴
I am glad there are some incentive programs through companies for people to switch to paperless as it benefits everyone within the cycle! Many things are digital now and if I can reduce the amount of paper in the USPS system then that is okay with me. It makes the bill cheaper, the mailpersons less to deliver, and less things for the company to keep track of. I think I will continue opting into paperless programs this week. There are some dreams of mine I would like to get started in, like maintaining a compost, so that is a future goal.

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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?
George L Settlemier 10/04/2025 12:50 PM
- Plant Parent 🪴
Personally I will be using patio containers as I live in an apartment. I already have many plants but few of them are herbs, so this is a good excuse for me to get started on it! I would like to grow herbaceous perennials that are hardy in this weather and can be easily dried and used. There may be some species that need overwintering indoors but overall I would like to strictly keep them on the patio.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Nature

What is one way you can reduce your impact on nature the next time you spend time outdoors, and how might that action help preserve the environment for others?
George L Settlemier 10/04/2025 12:48 PM
- Plant Parent 🪴
One way I can reduce my impact on nature and practice the leave no trace principles is to travel and camp on durable surfaces. There are particular areas within wildlife, like riparian zones, which are susceptible to disturbance. The delicate nature of these zones keep the balance in an ecosystem and I can do my part to stay within durable zones that can withstand travel. Using campsites that are found rather than made, trying to camp away from water sources, using established spots and trails to minimize impact.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Water

What did you notice about your habits or routines when limiting your showers to five minutes? What changes — if any — do you think you’ll continue long-term?
George L Settlemier 10/04/2025 12:41 PM
- Plant Parent 🪴
I thought I would try this as a practice run in preperation for our first week of actions. While I do think I could consistently do 5 minute showers, there is a very fast race to wash everything properly in that short of time. When I limit the time, I do have more general time in the day for whatever activities. In the long term, I could see myself keeping a conscious awareness of how long I am in the shower and efficiently wash without overusing. The main goal is to keep in mind that it DOES save a lot of water for every minute less you are in there. I'll be keeping my showers shorter for sure!

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