Ecochallenge.org

Drawdown Ecochallenge

Kathryn Ragland

Asheville High School Spring 2021

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
581 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.0

documentary

watched
UP TO

204

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

10

conversations

with people
UP TO

15

minutes

spent outdoors

Kathryn's actions

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

Reduced Food Waste

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

Tropical Forest Restoration

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips

Bioplastics

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 10 friends, family and/or colleagues.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants

Refrigerant Management

I will spend 15 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Research Barriers to Participation and Representation

Health and Education

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Research Peatlands

Peatland Protection and Rewetting

I will spend 15 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Learn about Temperate Forests

Temperate Forest Restoration

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Watch a Video about Methane Digesters

Methane Digesters

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Learn More about Silvopasture

Silvopasture

I will spend at least 17 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Learn More about Biomass

Biomass Power

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Learn More About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Power

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Learn about the Need for Family Planning

Health and Education

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Learn More about Micro Wind

Micro Wind Turbines

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Explore My Area

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 15 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Learn More about Silvopasture

Had you heard of the term "silvopasture" before now? After learning more about it, what do you think is the biggest advantage of silvopasture?

Kathryn Ragland 12/08/2020 7:40 AM

I had never heard of silvopasture before. It makes a ton of sense and seems really beneficial. Not only do both animals and plants thrive, but also the trees help absorb the carbon and provide the animals with more oxygen.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Watch a Video about Methane Digesters

What does your vision of a sustainable community look like? What would need to be changed in order for such vision to become reality?

Kathryn Ragland 12/04/2020 7:05 AM

I think that more places in Asheville should start using methane digesters. Also, if you don´t want a methane digestor for your home, another good thing to use is a compost bin!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Learn about Temperate Forests

As you learn more about the scope and seriousness of the environmental challenges we face, what impact does that have on your thinking and actions? What are the parts that feel overwhelming? What parts help you feel hopeful?

Kathryn Ragland 12/02/2020 7:26 AM

I think that it makes me feel more powerful knowing that I can do small things like plant trees, and that really helps the environment. I feel overwhelmed that everyday trees are being destroyed, and climate change is getting more severe. I feel hopeful though because I know I can make a difference if I really try.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Research Peatlands

Much of Indonesia's peatlands have been drained so they could be replaced with palm oil or pulp and paper plantations. How can you make choices that help to protect peatlands, even if you live far away from one?

Kathryn Ragland 12/01/2020 6:48 AM

I can spread the word about peatlands and educate others about their importance. I can also work to promote laws to protect peatlands, and protest their drainings.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Health and Education Research Barriers to Participation and Representation

What are some of the barriers that exist to women's equal participation and/or representation in your community?

Kathryn Ragland 11/30/2020 7:19 AM

In the Asheville community, women can experience unequal pay from coworkers, sexism in daily life, and even sexual abuse.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips

What concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.

Kathryn Ragland 11/30/2020 6:49 AM

I´m very concerned by humans´ insane usage of refrigerants, plastics, animal products, electricity, and more! We use sooo many resources and use many unnatural ingredients and then produce TONS of waste that goes on to harm the environment.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants

What did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?

Kathryn Ragland 11/30/2020 6:45 AM

If the United States were to start using natural refrigerants instead of HFCs we could stop and prevent a lot of global warming. Supermarkets are the biggest contributors when it comes to using HFCs that are then released into the air.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Forest-Friendly Foods 1

How is your diet currently impacting deforestation? What can you do to decrease your negative impact and increase your positive impact?

Kathryn Ragland 11/24/2020 6:55 AM

My diet currently impacts deforestation quite a bit, I don´t drink coffee, but I do eat chocolate and eat many foods with palm oil in them. Also, I eat a good bit of animal products each day. To decrease my negative impact, I will start eating more animal product substitutes and look for certain seals and certifications to make sure I am supporting a good company.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates

How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?

Kathryn Ragland 11/23/2020 7:24 AM

Knowing the differences between use by, sell by, and best by are going to help me save more money and food. When I pass one of these dates on a product I will not just throw them away, instead, I will keep using them until they are unsafe. This will help me reduce a lot of waste.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Explore My Area

How can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place -- your deep knowledge of and appreciation for your surroundings?

Kathryn Ragland 11/22/2020 11:52 AM

More time outdoors near my house makes me feel more grounded and connected to nature. It calms me and helps me feel more focused for the rest of the day. It helps me feel more gratitude for the beautiful place I live and it motivates me to want to protect our beautiful Earth even more.

Read More