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April 1 - April 30, 2024
Peggy McCartney's avatar

Peggy McCartney

Hillcrest

"I would like to use this year's Ecochallenge as a platform for personal growth, learning more about sustainable habits and how to implement them into my daily life all year long."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 659 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    44
    gallons of water
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    98
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    30
    miles
    not traveled by car
  • UP TO
    1.0
    healthcare connection
    made
  • UP TO
    207
    additional oz of water
    consumed
  • UP TO
    87
    minutes
    of additional sleep
  • UP TO
    1.0
    well-being appointment
    made
  • UP TO
    15
    minutes spent
    learning
  • UP TO
    2.0
    greener purchases
    made

Peggy's actions

At Work

Greener Purchasing

I will select a greener option when purchasing supplies, such as products that have environmental certifications, less packaging, or other environmental attributes, or come from local vendors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Work

Stay Connected

I will schedule coffee breaks, lunches, and/or check-in meetings with 2 coworkers to promote connectivity in my workplace.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

In Our Communities

Support Pollution Reduction

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health & Well-being

Gratitude

I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for every day.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

At Work

Last to Leave? Lights Out, Please!

Lighting makes up approximately 10% of hospitals' energy use on average. I will save energy by turning off unnecessary lights when not in use and when I am the last one to leave a space.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

Health & Well-being

Healthy Sleep

I will commit to getting 8 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Health & Well-being

Go Get a Check Up

I will make 1 appointments to support my health and well-being (primary care provider, dental, vision, etc.)

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health & Well-being

Healthy Hydration

I will improve hydration by drinking an additional 20oz of water each day. I will do this by drinking additional servings of water or by drinking water in place of other less healthy beverage options.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

At Work

Work From Home

I will work from home 1 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Home

Brush My Teeth Without Water Running

I will save up to 4 gallons (15 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Needs Vs. Wants

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Repair an Item

I will repair an item, such as clothing or an appliance, for myself, a friend, family member, or neighbor.

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?


  • Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/30/2024 3:40 PM
    Hard to believe it is the last day of April! I have enjoyed logging in most days to check in and post something about the eco challenge. I am grateful for the team that works so hard to support the sustainable efforts at UCSD Health!

    I took this photo this past weekend in Monterey. Just another chance to get outside and enjoy the beauty of our coast.


    • UC San Diego Health's avatar
      UC San Diego Health 4/30/2024 8:07 PM
      Thank you for participating, Peggy, and so glad you enjoyed the challenge this year! You are an eco warrior and we enjoyed following along your journey this month.

  • Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/29/2024 8:35 AM
    Biodegradable confetti is the cutest idea! I have never thought to make something so simple!!

    Turns out, the best leaves to use for eco confetti are from:
    rubber trees
    fiddle leaf figs
    eucalyptus trees
    elephant ear plant
    birds of paradise
    banana tree leaves
    monstera
    and other common houseplants

    If you punch larger shapes you can also glue them to wrapped packages as a cute and eco-friendly way to decorate!


  • Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/25/2024 8:06 AM
    The article "Serving Up Sustainability and Eliminating Food Waste in Hospital Cafeterias" sent via email link on April 23rd is a really great read! I had no idea that left over food was donated to various organizations based on the location of the hospital. It is awesome that UCSD Health is reducing waste and making a concerted effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions! And Barbara Hamilton, Director of Sustainability and Energy at UC San Diego Health, had some great quotes in the article as well!

    https://today.ucsd.edu/story/serving-up-sustainability-and-eliminating-food-waste-in-hospital-cafeterias



  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health & Well-being Go Get a Check Up
    How do you practice self care? Why is it important?

    Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/24/2024 11:25 AM
    Getting a mammogram is so important and this month is my appointment! Self care should be a priority but sometimes we find it is easy to put off these uncomfortable appointments, but you still need to do it! And it's over in less than 5 minutes!!





  • Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/24/2024 11:14 AM
    I am learning so much during the eco challenge. I just found out that deleting emails can help reduce your carbon footprint! An average year of emailing emits about 136 kilograms of CO2e, which is about the same impact as driving 200 miles in a gas-powered car. Even when emails are stored, they still require energy. This means striving for a tidy email inbox is a great way to participate in the Eco Challenge!




  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Work Greener Purchasing
    What green attributes do you look for when making purchasing decisions?

    Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/23/2024 8:42 AM
    When I am looking to purchase something, I like to see if there is a similar item on Marketplace or Offer Up. This not only saves money but also extends the life of that product maybe keeping it out of a landfill.

    (My secret is to watch when UCSD students are moving out at the end of the school year because they tend to unload so much good stuff in a hurry!!)

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health & Well-being Gratitude
    What is one thing that you are grateful for today? How does practicing gratitude make you feel?

    Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/23/2024 8:35 AM
    I am grateful to live in San Diego where we have the most amazing weather allowing us to get outside to take a walk, catch a sunset or just sit for a quiet moment soaking up a fresh dose of Vitamin D!


  • Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/23/2024 8:31 AM
    Saw these beautiful flowers on my morning walk with my pups! Just a reminder to stop and smell the roses.

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health & Well-being Healthy Hydration
    How do you plan to increase your water intake during the day?

    Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/22/2024 9:09 AM
    I have a 40 oz reusable cup at my desk and have set a goal for myself to drink one full cup before noon and another before I leave for the day! Then one more by the end of the evening when I am at home. I shoot for 120 oz each day.

  • Peggy McCartney's avatar
    Peggy McCartney 4/22/2024 9:04 AM
    Happy Earth Day! For anyone that enjoys Better Buzz coffee, they are giving away Earth Day stickers today!