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Mary Hanks 10/27/2025 5:28 PM- Pet Parent 🐾
I simply don't understand why people use so much bottled water in situations where it isn't really needed. I volunteer at a retirement home, and I'd see my friends cracking open a new bottle every afternoon. I finally asked them why, since each bottle contributes to the plastics problem...and it turned out that had never even crossed their minds. It's an upscale facility, and the residents are used to convenience. Now some of them say they're reusing water bottles. I hope they're telling the truth and not just humoring me. :)
Craig Vallesi
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 45 THIS WEEK
- 610 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO2,062minutesnot spent in front of a screen
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UP TO26poundswaste avoided
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UP TO181plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO162gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO1,690minutesspent exercising
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UP TO2,097minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO75minutesspent learning
Craig's actions
Water
Take 5-Minute Showers
I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.
Health
Exercise Daily
Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 60 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.
Simplicity
Find or Join a Local Sharing Economy
If my community does not have a tool library or other sharing economy options, I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.
Waste
Repair a Broken Item
I will repair at least one item that is broken, but is repairable. This might be items like garden tools, sewing machine, small appliances, electronics, clothing, and more.
Water
Book your free in-home water audit
Water audits are available in 2025. Book your free in-home water audit. During the audit, a City contractor will review your water bill, test the flow rates of your faucets and showers, check for leaks, and recommend water-saving options.
Waste
Sign up for reminders with the City of Guelph's Waste app
Use the Guelph Waste app to sign up for email or phone reminders about your waste collection schedule and can download for free from your app store
Nature
Spend Time Outside
I will replace 30 minutes each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.
Nature
Explore a New Trail or Nature Walk
I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.
Nature
Plant Trees
I will plant 1 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
Transportation
Car Share with Neighbors or a Service
I will sign up for a car-sharing service or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.
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
Participate in Guelph Greener Homes program for upgrading to energy efficiency measures
In support of Race To Zero, the City plans to offer a 0% interest loan to residential property owners in Guelph to help cover the costs of residential energy efficiency upgrades to be paid back over 10 years. Find out if you are eligible for the low-income grant program for installing heat-pumps
Waste
Complete a Personal Waste Audit
I will collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill. I will share a photo and reflection of this action on the feed.
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.)
Waste
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
I will keep 8 disposable plastic bottles from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.
Food
Try a New Way to Prep
I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteWhile water bottles are needed for health and safety in certain places, we can do more to reduce the unnecessary use of them. What are the barriers to you using reusable bottles and tap water instead of bottled water? How could you make this a permanent habit?
Craig Vallesi 10/27/2025 5:47 AMI have started to re use the same insulated water bottle every day. I just fill it up before work with my filtered water then re fill it at work several times a day. It was an easy switch! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaterWhat 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?
Craig Vallesi 10/27/2025 5:45 AMI noticed that I waster time when I could have been more productive. -
Craig Vallesi 10/24/2025 5:19 AMAlthough it was cold and rainy yesterday it felt great to get out for a walk on my lunch hour