Skip to main content
October 1 - October 31, 2024

PCC Sociology Ecopanthers Feed

BACK TO TEAM PAGE

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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food Watch a Documentary about Food Sovereignty
    How does food sovereignty address the complex transition from localized food systems to modern global food systems?

    Isabella Hallowell's avatar
    Isabella Hallowell 10/31/2024 11:32 PM
    The videos that I watched addressing food sovereignty were " “How This Indigenous Farmer Is Solving Food Insecurity” by PBS Terra, and “Future of Food: farming in the age of climate change” by Quartz and Retroreport.

    Michelle Week, a local Portland farmer in the video by PBS Tera addresses approaching modern global food systems by going back to the prior knowledge and practices that were used to produce crops that were native to specific regions before overuse of the land occurred. Losing important produce due to changing farming conditions by climate change is discussed in the video, as well as, reintroducing and adapting crops to our current conditions based on knowledge of what has worked for prior generations in their communities.

    Quartz and RetroReport produced a video that illustrates organic farming and the importance of soil for the foods that eat, while also introducing a farm that grows vegetables indoors without soil or sunlight. With the high increase of demand in food that we will see over time compared to the amount of food waste that is thrown away, some believe that both approaches are essential in ensuring that our civilization has enough food for our population.

    Modern global food systems can look different depending on climate change, locations, and many other factors, such as the economy and consumers. I think its important to think about ways that we can produce more food without damaging the earth for future generations.



    -PBS Terra. (2023, June 1). How This Indigenous Farmer Is Solving Food Insecurity. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-yscXAxSMs

    -Quartz, & RetroReport. (2017, November 22). Future of Food: Farming in the age of climate change. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjr6z1GMDqc



  • Alejandra Nguyen's avatar
    Alejandra Nguyen 10/31/2024 8:57 PM
    Sunsets in the morning have been extra stunning this October. I'm so glad I picked this action and got to experience a lot of these. As promised, here's a picture from my balcony, enjoy!

  • Gustin Nijo's avatar
    Gustin Nijo 10/31/2024 5:30 PM
    During the eco-challenge we got a new smart thermostat. We have it set to turn off when we are at work and lower when we are sleeping. It's been great.

  • Kenaesha Henry's avatar
    Kenaesha Henry 10/31/2024 3:57 PM
    Wow! Did this month just fly by or is it just me? This last week has been really hectic for me, so I kind of slowed down on checking in the day of. I let like 3 days go by doing that because I've been packing. So, because I did that, I donated cash a few times (to bring my points up). This challenge has proved to me that I am very competitive. I held the number 1 place for a while, whenever I'd fall behind, I'd make a cash donation so that I'd go back to number 1. It's been fun to know that the little steps I am taking to better Earth is really working.

    Am I going to keep up with it next month, knowing that it is not a part of my grade? Yes, because this was just the positive outlet needed for everything I am experiencing at the moment. For me, this social media platform is a positive Facebook. Everyone on here seems to care about the world we live in, and the interactions are always positive. I haven't witnessed one ill post, response, or comment on this platform, separating it from all the other negative platforms.

    To sum this up, I really enjoyed making my presence here known with the daily posts, I posted 56 times (with this one being 57) and checked in everyday, days that I missed, I would go back and check in. Again, this was fun, and you haven't seen the last of me, fellow ecochallenge members ;-) See you tomorrow.

    • Jeanne Poirier's avatar
      Jeanne Poirier 10/31/2024 7:09 PM
      It's been a pleasure to meet you here Kenaesha! I don't do any social media so this is super special time to connect with others who yes, feel, think and take actions to better our world. It's been a blessing to have you here!!

  • Cosette Stinson's avatar
    Cosette Stinson 10/31/2024 3:46 PM
    I've found more ways to incorporate vegan meals into my diet. Several friends have recommended local vegan markets and restaurants that are entirely vegan or have a primarily vegan menu. It is far easier to reduce my meat consumption than I had realized.

    • Olena Sytar's avatar
      Olena Sytar 10/31/2024 5:52 PM
      Incredible! I've also tried a few vegan options for my favorite meals - and they taste so good.

  • Kenaesha Henry's avatar
    Kenaesha Henry 10/31/2024 3:34 PM
    So far my family and I have saved 6.0 gallons of water. It's interesting to know what 5 mins in the shower will do to the world.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community Sign Up to Vote
    Why is voting important to creating a just, sustainable, and thriving world? In what other ways can you actively participate in important decision-making?

    Kenaesha Henry's avatar
    Kenaesha Henry 10/31/2024 3:32 PM
    Voting is important because as a US citizen, it is our responsibility to vote. Also voting helps with the decisions made in your State and city. I can canvas voter registrations and leaflets on information on voting.

    • Jeanne Poirier's avatar
      Jeanne Poirier 10/31/2024 7:13 PM
      It is our PRIVILEGE to vote and I trust everyone has. I wrote over 300 postcards this election cycle - I don't have kids in the house! :). My baby is 46 and boy howdy do I remember the tough times.

  • Kenaesha Henry's avatar
    Kenaesha Henry 10/31/2024 3:29 PM
    Since we've been packing it's almost hard to have the lights off all the time. They had the lights on yesterday in the daytime, I was upset. I know my bill will be lower than last months.

    • Jeanne Poirier's avatar
      Jeanne Poirier 10/31/2024 7:16 PM
      I'm going to be watching for you in future EcoChalleges. Between now and then - blessed be. My bills are going up between now and next April - it's turned dark and cold. Heat and lights are on - where just a month ago they didn't need to be. You and yours take care!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community Research Voter Suppression
    What are the ways in which voters are prohibited from or discouraged from voting in your region and/or state? What could be done to get rid of these barriers?

    Kim Smith's avatar
    Kim Smith 10/31/2024 1:37 PM
    Thankfully, Oregon does not have as egregious of voter suppression as many other states, but it was quite shocking to learn that someone has burned several of our ballot boxes in Portland and Vancouver, WA. Praying that we will not face more losses over the weekend.

    I am grateful that so many people and organizations help lobby to reenfranchise people who have lost their votes after completing time for committing a crime.

  • Grace Hoffman's avatar
    Grace Hoffman 10/31/2024 1:11 PM
    With juggling work, school, and moving responsibilities, it has been extremely tough to keep up with checking in every day. However, I have found myself to be more mindful about things I am grateful for and spending lots of my extra time outdoors. Now that I have a backyard, I spend at least 20 minutes a day in the back with my dog and I think both him and I are experiencing positive results from that.