Crystelle Vargas

CSUMB Climate Solutions Online Team

"Let's work together and help the planet!"

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
777 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

145

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

13

meatless or vegan meals

consumed

Crystelle's actions

Climate & Ecosystems

Create & Share A Love Letter, Poem, Song or Picture

SDG #13, 14 & 15

I will express my love and gratitude for our planet by writing a love letter, poem, song or taking a picture. I will share it with others on my social media channels, in person, or as an Earth Month Ecochallenge feed reflection.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Basic Needs & Security

Know Your Produce

SDG #2 Zero Hunger

I will visit ewg.org to learn about and use their Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen produce lists.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Basic Needs & Security

Reduce Animal Product Consumption

SDG #2 Zero Hunger

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Economy & Communities

Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion

SDG #12 Consumption & Production

Each day, I will spend 30 minutes learning about sustainable fashion so that I can engage in this practice.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Basic Needs & Security

Calculate Your Water Footprint

SDG #6 Water & Sanitation

I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Climate & Ecosystems

Support Local Pollinators

SDG #15 Life On Land

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 30 minutes researching which plants support local pollinators and plant some in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Crystelle Vargas 4/28/2022 4:15 PM
As our eco-challenge comes to a close, I've found new ways to continue conserving and creating less waste in my life.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Basic Needs & Security

What is one way you will reduce your water use? What is a practice you already have that helps you reduce your water use?
Crystelle Vargas 4/26/2022 2:03 PM
Saving water is definitely something we should think about more often. With six people in my household, this is not an easy task. Since our home is a little older, we could look into investing in low-flow appliances and taking shorter showers. Our hot water takes a minute to heat up. Putting a bucket under the shower until the hot water kicks in would be very beneficial. We can reuse this water for our plants and reduce our footprint.

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Crystelle Vargas 4/21/2022 6:49 PM
With Earth Day being tomorrow, I think it would be fun and meaningful to plant some more in my garden. After researching pollinators and native plants, I think now is a good time to plant flowers for the fall and also make a water source for bees as the temperature rises.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Climate & Ecosystems

Why is it important to take care of pollinators? Do you have a favorite pollinator?
Crystelle Vargas 4/19/2022 3:56 PM
It is important to take care of pollinators because they contribute so much more than most people realize. Pollinators keep ecosystems healthy. 90% of flowering plants depend on pollinators for reproduction. Without pollinators, we would have a severely decreased amount of biodiversity and a very unstable food supply. I appreciate all pollinators but my favorite would be the monarch butterfly.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Basic Needs & Security

What surprised you about the two produce lists? How will you use these lists for your grocery shopping? Have you used these lists before?
Crystelle Vargas 4/12/2022 10:33 PM
I was surprised to see that a lot of the foods listed are foods that I regularly eat and some I even grow at home. When grocery shopping, I looked at the pears and apples in the store since I grow organic apples and pears at home. The size and color difference between these two made it clear that the grocery store fruit was genetically modified but for a lot of people, genetically modified foods are the best option. I reminded myself I am very privileged to live in an area where fresh produce is available, unlike many areas where products must be shipped out over long distances.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Economy & Communities

How can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Crystelle Vargas 4/08/2022 6:02 PM
I have always loved to personalize my own clothes with color and embroidery. I often buy clothes secondhand and take care of the clothes I have so they last as long as possible. I love being able to save money and also have unique clothes I was able to add my own personal touches too.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Basic Needs & Security

What was the tastiest meatless or vegan meal you ever had or had recently? Did you make it? Can you share a recipe?
Crystelle Vargas 4/08/2022 5:57 PM
I have found meat substitutes like mushrooms and locally sourced eggs give me the protein I need without causing as much harm as farmed meat. I made a rice bowl with king oyster mushrooms and vegetables. These mushrooms have a similar texture to meat.

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Crystelle Vargas 4/07/2022 11:23 PM
This eco-challenge has already made me feel much more productive in my community. It is very easy for me to fall into a pattern of school, homework, and sleep during the semester. It is very refreshing to be able to focus on environmental impacts right now and contribute as I learn.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Climate & Ecosystems

Why is art an important way for you to express sustainability values?
Crystelle Vargas 4/07/2022 11:13 PM
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- Crystelle Vargas 4/07/2022 11:17 PM
  I find it so beautiful to be able to look up at tall lush trees. They provide us with so much but unfortunately fall victim to forest fires far too frequently. I think that more people should enjoy and appreciate nature and fight to save it.
  
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