Mike Refsland
"Make meaningful change in daily actions, make the world a better place every day. The Power is YOURS!"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,237 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO43meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO260minutesspent exercising
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UP TO160minutesspent learning
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UP TO120minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO13minutesbeing mindful
Mike's actions
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.
Electricity
Advocate for Solar Installation
Distributed Solar Photovoltaics
I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Reduce Animal Products
Plant-Rich Diets
I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
Industry
Sustainable Woodworking Materials
I build houses for native bees, birds, and bats in our garage woodshop. I will research sustainable alternatives to ensure all materials, finishes, and fasteners I use are sustainable and sustainably sourced!
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Eat Mindfully
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
Transportation
Improve a Bus Stop
Public Transit
I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.
Industry
Find a Local Climate-Friendly Supermarket
Refrigerant Management
I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products
Engineered Sinks
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers in person or by posting to social media.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Learn about Biochar
Biochar Production
I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Smart Seafood Choices
Ocean Farming
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Land Sinks
Research Peatlands
Peatland Protection and Rewetting
I will spend 30 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 60 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
Land Sinks
Support a Community Garden
Multiple Solutions
I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.
Land Sinks
Learn about Temperate Forests
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.
Land Sinks
Choose Better Wood Products
Forest Protection
I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Health and Education
Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or Immigrants
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will spend 30 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.
Electricity
Communicate With My Elected Officials
Onshore Wind Turbines, Offshore Wind Turbines
I will write or call 2 elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Improve a Bus StopHow can you advocate for transportation systems which minimize environmental impact while also meeting human needs?
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:15 AMThe covid pandemic has shown how important good transit systems are to cities, i will definitely increase my bus/LRT ridership after we're all vaccinated. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Choose Better Wood ProductsBeyond carbon sequestration, what other benefits do forests offer you personally?
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:14 AMForest bathing! I love a long hike thru the woods, soothing for hte soul! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Support a Community GardenWhat are the multiple benefits of community gardens, including carbon sequestration? Why do these benefits matter to you?
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:14 AMCommunity gardens not only provide food closer to table, but also provide for a central gathering space for neighbors. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Education Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or ImmigrantsGlobally, women typically invest a higher proportion of their earnings in their families and communities than men. What have you done in the past to support women-owned businesses? How can you better support communities by supporting women?
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:13 AMWe are super lucky to have several woman-owned amazing businesses in our neighborhood. Shout to Sarah Jane's Bakery and Coffee Shop NE, two perennial favs! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Education Research Barriers to Participation and RepresentationWhat are some of the barriers that exist to women's equal participation and/or representation in your community?
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:12 AMIn the USA we have dismal parental leave policies, therefore when families have children it's often the woman who has to pause a career, take extended time off, and potentially lose career opportunities to care for a child. We gotta fix this! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Communicate With My Elected OfficialsWhat inspires you to act on sustainable energy and other energy issues?
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:11 AMI'm inspired to act on sustainable energy to help reduce my carbon footprint! -
Mike Refsland 4/30/2021 6:10 AMLast day of the EcoChallenge! Thank everyone for being part of this amazing MSP team, and make sure to knock out any last minute challenges to put us over the top with CHI!!! -
Mike Refsland 4/29/2021 11:51 AMOne more day until the EcoChallenge ends, go DLR Group Minneapolis! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Explore My AreaHow can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place -- your deep knowledge of and appreciation for your surroundings?
Mike Refsland 4/29/2021 5:10 AMBeing out in nature on long walks helps you experience nature, which cements it in your mind. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric VehicleReducing (or eliminating) exhaust emissions and improving public health are two benefits of green vehicles. What other motivators inspire you to consider switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle?
Mike Refsland 4/26/2021 10:12 AMI would love to have the ability to fuel my vehicle with renewable energy, instead of gasoline. Imagine a zero-footprint road trip!