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kerry mccarthy

Community Team

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 352 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    14
    whole food meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    7.0
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    2.0
    documentaries
    watched

kerry's actions

Water

Use Reusable Bottles

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) each day this week.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Watch a Documentary

I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

A Call to Sustainability

Explore My Area

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

A Call to Sustainability

Watch a Documentary

I will watch a movie about a sustainability issue I would like to know more about.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Consumption and Economy

Track my Purchases

I will maintain a record of all my purchases.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Water

Say No to Plastic

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. This week, I'll say "no" to plastic bags at the store and plastic straws in all of my drinks.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Ecological Principles

Recycle Everything I Can

I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community this week.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Whole Foods Diet

I will enjoy 2 meal(s) free of processed foods each day this week.

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?


  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 6/02/2023 7:45 AM
    This week I chose to avoid using bottled water. Up until a week or so ago, I was having Amazon ship bottled water to my house because I thought we had well water and that it was not safe to drink. Even if it's not well water, but city water, I still get nervous about how safe it is to drink. Also, we found out that you never know what's in bottled water anyway. So, after our discussions in class, I've decided that I'm not buying bottled water anymore and I've been drinking tap water since. It feels really good to create less waste and less to send to landfills. Buying bottled water is expensive and not sustainable, and we all know what plastics are doing to our health and environment, so I feel better for not doing it. Tap water tastes fine to me and I usually pour a splash of vitamin water in it anyway. I'm really thankful for this class, as it brought to my attention all of the ways that I can modify my consumption and habits so that I can live more sustainably for myself and our environment.

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 5/27/2023 7:10 PM
    This week I chose "I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends". I watched "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" on Netflix, and OMG. I don't eat much meat, and definitely not red meat, but I'm seriously considering going straight VEGAN now! Wow! I found out that cattle are the No. 1 agricultural source of greenhouse gases worldwide. Each year, a single cow will belch about 220 pounds of methane, and then there are the grazing fields that are causing deforestation. Supposedly if we don't get it under control we only have so many years left on the planet. We have to stop grazing cattle and consuming so much beef. What are we going to do? Any ideas, anyone? I doubt Americans are going to give up their cattle and beef. Also, another reminder in the documentary about how disgusting dairy and cattle farms are is enough to make you never want to eat another animal again. I learned about these inhumane places in a class I took at PSU called "Prospectives on Terrorism". Super good. Lastly, there's a gentleman in the documentary who explains in detail why humans aren't meant to drink BOVINE MILK which is specifically developed in the mother cow to fatten up a GIANT animal. Gross! Thank God I haven't drank cow's milk for years..... but, you guys should watch it.

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 5/20/2023 8:24 AM
    This week I decided to take advantage of the sunny weather and get out in the backyard and fix up my little patio so that I can come home from a long day and relax. I ordered a little kiddy pool to soak my feet in or roll around in if it gets really hot, haha. I brought home an additional tomato plant and some acorn squash to add to my little sustainable garden (in pots), and it makes me feel so good to know that I won't have to eat pesticides, and my veggies will actually have an awesome flavor and genuinely be ripe. I already have romaine lettuce ready to harvest, and I have a little broccoli flowerette poking its little head up. (pictures to follow). My little junco mama in my fuchsia plant is just hanging out keeping her eggs warm while watching everything I do in the process. Notice the lawn in the background? I have a back injury and cannot mow the lawn, even though I love to mow and do yard work. I've posted a need for a lawnmower in our neighborhood group email but haven't had any takers yet. Do kids not mow lawns anymore?

    • Vytien Phan's avatar
      Vytien Phan 5/20/2023 4:35 PM
      That is too cute! Kerry, did you need a lawn mower or someone to mow the lawn? I am happy with your progress with the plants! How was the soak? I'm looking forward to warm weather and community bbqs myself.

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 5/10/2023 9:50 PM
    This week I chose to watch a documentary (about a sustainability issue that I care about). I decided to watch Down to Earth with Zac Efron on Netflix. I think I watched an episode or two a long time ago, but I started on season 2, which takes place in AUSTRALIA. It's super entertaining! I've seriously been enjoying it, and will probably binge-watch both seasons soon. Zac talks about everything we've talked about in class. There was a lot of focus on agriculture and soil, and other climate change issues we've discussed. He talked a lot about the coral reefs. It's nice to finally really learn about exactly why everything is happening on this planet. For me, the more educated I get about climate change and sustainability issues, the more I want to help and do my part. I wish everyone could learn as well, especially those who don't believe climate change is real. I just don't think they know the facts.

    • Randy Lucas's avatar
      Randy Lucas 5/14/2023 11:11 PM
      Hey Kerry, this documentary sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out!! I think it's sort of random to have Zac Efron in this documentary but I'm sure it helps with promotion.

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 5/06/2023 8:42 AM
    This week I tried to track my purchases, but I didn't do so well. I needed several groceries this week so I picked them up where I work at QFC, which is in a wealthy neighborhood and is very expensive (because they can dictate their own prices and people will pay it out of convenience). I purchased a big bag of blueberries for my protein shakes last night on my way out the door and they were $15.99 for the bag. WOW! It is a big bag but ridiculous that prices are so high right now. Nothing but pure greed. Anyway, the lesson is that I have got to start going to Winco or someplace cheaper to buy my groceries. Going to Winco is less convenient, but in the long run, I will be saving so much money. I don't think I purchased anything other than food this week. Oops! I forgot about this incident. I went to Whole Foods this week and got the salad and hot bar that is really good but outrageously expensive. (But I'm single and have no one to cook for, and it's so conveniently located near my house). I can minimize and rationalize all I want, but I ended up paying about $32 for both containers of food, which provided two dinners. Eeks. So what I learned this week is that I buy most of my food out of pure convenience, even if it costs comparably more. If I would just go a little bit out of my way and shop at Winco, I can't even imagine how much money I would save. That's all I've got folks! Adios!

    • Olivia Monestime's avatar
      Olivia Monestime 5/07/2023 5:44 PM
      Wow 16 bucks for blueberries! The prices are outrageous right now and one of my roommates was just telling me how excited she was to find coupons for cheap eggs since they're so expensive! Trader Joe's is where I get the most for my money. I end up paying $60 for 3 bags of groceries, when I'd pay $200 anywhere else. Also, buying strictly local produce has been a big game changer for my spending! Talarico's Produce Market on Hawthorne is my go to near my house.

      Hope you had a good weekend Kerry!

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 4/28/2023 7:46 PM
    This week I chose to say no to small pieces of plastic and straws. I was successful at not using straws. I ordered a few sets of reusable straws from Amazon, and I'm using reusable cups where I can. I didn't use any plastic bags. I want to try not to use any more ziplock baggies or buy any more paper towels because they are such a waste. I am realizing how spoiled I am and how much excessive waste I create out of sheer convenience. However, I'm trying to remind myself that I don't have to be perfect at recycling all of a sudden and all at once. Habits take time and practice to break, and just because I have a bad recycling day, it doesn't mean that I have to throw in the (recycling) towel. Every little bit counts. My best sustainable story that happened today is that I was throwing out the garbage at work and there were several plants and flowers sitting there waiting to be thrown away because they didn't have big blooms on them. There were a couple of containers of Gerber daisies and a few Ranunculus flowers sitting there, so I got permission to take them home and save their life, and bring enjoyment to mine in the meantime. ; ) I also bought a few containers of lettuce and some broccoli to plant this weekend.

    • Randy Lucas's avatar
      Randy Lucas 4/30/2023 5:04 PM
      Hey Kerry, I also struggle with breaking some of my own bad habits, but its definitely a process and we just have to stick with it. Using plastic straws is a big one for me, but its an easier fix. This week I hope to purchase a reusable straw to help me reduce my own waste.

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 4/22/2023 7:15 PM
    This week I chose “Recycle everything I can”. I am doing much better at becoming aware of the waste I am creating, but I still have a lot to learn and a lot to do to live a more sustainable lifestyle, and to contribute to getting this planet healthy again. I’ve purchased two plastic Starbucks reusable cups and several reusable straws. The hardest part is that you always have to wash the cup and straw or mold will grow if you aren’t careful. I’ve already seen this happen. Yuck! The biggest obstacle, so far, again, is just the convenience of not having to worry about bringing my own cup and cleaning it. Also, I don’t think I’ll be able to use the drive-thru anymore because I can’t give the barista my cup ahead of time unless I go in to order.

    Additionally, I am recycling my own cans again in the big green bags the way I use to before I moved recently, instead of just putting them in the main recycle can outside. This way is more sustainable because I am acquiring a bit of pocket change as well, which I can really use. My next deep dive into recycling next week is making sure I am cleaning all food containers before I throw them into the recycling because I’ve been just throwing them into the garbage instead of taking the time to wash and then recycle them. The bottom line, is I’ve gotten lazy and it’s time to pick it up several notches. This week I’m going to research exactly how and what household products can be recycled.

    • Vanessa Wissler's avatar
      Vanessa Wissler 4/23/2023 11:42 PM
      Hey Kerry, I like all the changes you've implemented! It can be very difficult to switch routines. I tend to be particularly lazy about thoroughly washing my food containers. I look forward to what you learn about recyclable household products!

    • Vytien Phan's avatar
      Vytien Phan 4/22/2023 9:18 PM
      Kerry these are all good things, keep at it! I remember you mentioned these goals and it's great that you are making it happen!

  • kerry mccarthy's avatar
    kerry mccarthy 4/14/2023 6:01 PM
    Wk 1/K. McCarthy
    Well, here I go again. I just spent the last 30 minutes writing a post and it disappeared. Aaargh! Anyway, sigh.
    I kind of flunked the whole food diet this week. I generally eat pretty healthily, but in the last few years, I have developed some bad habits. I start out my day pretty well by eating a pure protein bar and then making my protein shake. It has plain kefir, mostly spinach, a banana, blueberries, and (other berries if I have them on hand). Then I swallow a handful of vitamins and I am off and running. I don't eat many dairies like eggs or milk. I drink coconut milk and have for years. I don't eat fast food or red meat. My downfall is that I love eating butter croissants with my dinner. (Do not try Trader Joe's butter croissants heated up in the oven because you'll be hooked too!) I'm trying to make the decision to quit, but it hasn't happened yet, haha! Anyway, for dinner most nights I make my soup concoction which starts with a can of low-sodium veggie minestrone soup, carrot cumin soup for more liquid, tons of broccoli, and some chicken breast. This is where the butter croissant comes in. Anyway, I appreciate brushing up on the whole food diet this week because it has made me more mindful about what I'm eating. When I'm eating healthy I feel healthy and am able to live a more sustainable life, physically and mentally, so it has been a good reminder.
    Thanks,
    Kerry

    • Olivia Monestime's avatar
      Olivia Monestime 4/15/2023 10:23 PM
      Don't be too hard on yourself Kerry! A part of the definition of sustainability can also apply to your eating habits when looking through a "diet" lens. What's actually realistic long run and how can you enjoy life without these small delights! I could never see myself giving up croissants so I feel ya! (I'm actually putting TJ croissants on my list for next time now, just to try). Moderation is key. I think depriving myself of a whole category of foods isn't sustainable, so instead I allow my body to crave what it craves while also being mindful of whether I actually want it or if I'm being gluttonous. And healthy alternatives or home made versions of favorites is a great way to control what's going in my food too!
      So true about how beneficial and healing eating healthy can be for your body and mind.
      Good luck on the upcoming week!
      Olivia