Amber Thomas

Mayo Clinic

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
468 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

35

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

300

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

23

single-use bags

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

2.0

trees

planted
UP TO

60

minutes spent

learning

Amber's actions

In Our Communities

Use Reusable Bags

I will refuse 3 of single-use paper or plastic bags each day by bringing my own reusable bags or carrying purchased goods another way.

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

Health & Well-being

Reduce Refined Sugar

I will adopt a diet free of refined sugars, which eliminates sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Adjust the Thermostat

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Work

Reduce Animal Products

I will enjoy 2 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Shorter Showers

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

In Our Communities

Plant Trees

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard. Check out resources for which tree species are best to plant in your area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

One Healthcare

Sustainable Healthcare

I will attend or watch a recording of a webinar 60 minutes long covering one or more healthcare sustainability issues.

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
In Our Communities Use Reusable Bags

What do you do if you find yourself in the situation of needing a bag for items, but don't have a reusable one with you or aren't allowed to use the one you brought? What tips do you have for others who are trying to form a habit of using reusable bags?

Amber Thomas 4/16/2024 2:15 PM

When I'm in a situation where I need a bag but cannot use the reusable one I have brought, I will opt for paper over plastic. My tip for those trying to use reusable bags would be to purchase a set that is portable and has a carrying case/bag that you can easily keep handy in your car. I usually remember my reusable bags when I have them on hand in the car versus trying to remember to bring them from home.

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- Zoe Anastas (SWMC) 4/16/2024 2:45 PM
  
  Totally agree and I try to put those reusable bags right back in the car after I empty them of grocery store items that way they are always ready to go!
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Health & Well-being Reduce Refined Sugar

Before you started this challenge, did you think you were 'addicted' to sugar? How do you feel now?

Amber Thomas 4/16/2024 2:12 PM

I have reduced my sugar intake in the past and have noticed initial strong cravings during the first few days. Over time, those cravings subside and there is not that strong desire for simple carbs/sugars. Sugar has addictive properties similar to recreational drugs in the mechanism for how they impact the brain. When I reduce sugar intake, after a couple weeks, I find that it is easier to avoid sugar and choose alternative options that are natural and healthier.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
At Work Reduce Animal Products

How does eating more meat affect our planet and other people? What is your favorite meatless dish or recipe?

Amber Thomas 4/16/2024 2:08 PM

The meat industry has to clear land (deforestation) to clear space for their cattle and to grow animal feed. Deforestation leads to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over time which ultimately accelerates global warming.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
At Home Shorter Showers

Name some of the human activities impacting the health of water systems, both locally (your watershed) and globally (freshwater and oceans). What can you do to improve the health of water systems?

Amber Thomas 4/16/2024 2:05 PM

Agriculture has replaced natural vegetation which changes the way that water is able to move through drainage systems. Additionally, deforestation interrupts the water cycle which can increase drought rates. Burning fossil fuels contributes to rising temperatures which increases evaporation and rapid glacial melting.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
One Healthcare Sustainable Healthcare

Briefly describe the issue(s) you learned about. How did this information impact you?

Amber Thomas 4/01/2024 9:27 AM

Healthcare is responsible for 8.5% of greenhouse gas emissions and 9% of criteria air pollutants. Additionally, one routine surgery produces as much garbage as a family of 4 in one week. As an employee in the healthcare industry, I can focus on my environmental impact and footprint and take steps to reduce common issues that negatively influence the environment. Learning about these issues brings light to the ways that I can be more engaged in improving work unit operations and reduce environmental impacts.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
At Home Adjust the Thermostat

What other steps can you take each day to heat and cool your home more efficiently?

Amber Thomas 4/01/2024 8:43 AM

To retain heat, ensure windows and entryways are sufficiently insulated to avoid unnecessary heat loss by air leaks. To cool your home more efficiently, using fans and window shades to block excessive sunlight can help keep the temperatures cooler during the day. Opening windows for cross-drafts and in the early morning/late evening can allow cooler temperatures naturally cool the home.

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