Beyond the Game
Beyond the Game: Michelle Recycles with TerraCycle
Alumni of the Cool Choices program continue to take daily sustainable actions that improve what they do at work, at home, and in the community. This month, we spotlight Michelle, a member of our Connected alumni community, that has impressed us with her awesome green decision to improve her recycling efforts through TerraCycle recycling programs.
Beyond the Game: Abby Lives Sustainably by Foraging
To highlight the cool things our alums do after taking part in the Cool Choices online sustainability game, we love to share stories from past participants. Our alumni always impress us by taking sustainable practices to the next level. This month we were inspired by Abby’s sustainability story of foraging.
Beyond the Game: Making Daily Sustainable Habits a Way of Life
To highlight the cool things our alums do after taking part in the Cool Choices online sustainability program, we love to share stories from past participants. Our alumni always impress us by taking sustainable practices to the next level. Sara inspired us with her desire to make small, daily sustainable habits a way of life.
Beyond the Game: Lisa Rides Her Bike To Work
We are proud that Cool Choices alumi take their commitment to maintaining sustainable actions seriously. We appreciate people like Lisa, who share their post-game sustainable actions with us to help inspire others. Lisa took part in the Cool Choices program in 2014 with Unitarian Universalist Church West. Here is her sustainability story.
Beyond the Game: Ann’s Sustainability Story
To highlight the cool things our alums do after taking part in the Cool Choices online sustainability game, we love to share stories from past participants. Our alumni always impress us by taking sustainable practices to the next level.
This month we were inspired by Ann’s story about her innovative sustainable ideas at home.
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
I save and reuse the inside bags from cereal boxes when empty. I then use them as wax paper or to double bag items in the freezer.
Ann took part in the Cool Choices online sustainability game in 2013 with UW Extension. Inspired by Ann’s sustainability story? Remember, you can make a difference too!
Beyond the Game: Scott’s Sustainability Story
Past players of the Cool Choices game-based sustainability program continue to make green choices in their everyday lives even after the program ends. We are always impressed to learn how participating in Cool Choices impacts individuals and their decisions to take further sustainable actions. This month we were inspired by Scott’s story!
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
I requested and received a Nest thermostat as a Christmas gift. Setup was fairly easy (they have a guide to help you determine which wires go where). I think the biggest benefit to the Nest is its ability to sense when you are away and throttle back the HVAC accordingly. While I had a programmable thermostat before with set temperatures for various times of day, I never would remember to manually change it if we were going to be out of the house for an extended period of time. The Nest now knows to do this automatically. Another benefit is being able to run the fan for ventilation without having to add heat or turning on the A/C.
What tips do you have for others trying to be sustainable?
The Nest thermostat is easy to buy and install. The main drawback is the price — but it helped to have a rebate a Black Friday deal to bring down the final price.
Scott took part in the 2015 City Wide Cool Choices game in Madison, WI.
Beyond the Game: Kristin’s Sustainability Story
Cool Choices alumni continue to inspire us with the sustainability actions they’ve taken since taking part in our program. This month we were impressed by Kristin’s story about her volunteer work at a local nature preserve.
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
I planted native plants around the edges of a wood, pulled invasive species and mulched trails to prevent run off from rain.
Do you have any tips for others trying to be sustainable?
Look into volunteer opportunities with your local nature preserve!
Kristin took part in the Madison, WI city-wide Cool Choices online sustainability game in 2015.
Beyond the Game: Emily’s Sustainability Story
Emily plants a peach tree in Madison for her business, Emily Plants, LLC.
Past players of the Cool Choices game-based sustainability program continue to make green choices in their everyday lives even after the program ends. We are always impressed to learn how participating in Cool Choices impacts individuals and their decisions to take further sustainable actions. This month we were inspired by Emily’s story!
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
I have started my own edible landscaping business. I am encouraging people to plant more pollinator-friendly, edible, and native plants.
What tips do you have for others trying to be sustainable?
Just plant something! The best way to learn is by doing, so get growing!
Emily took part in the 2015 City Wide Cool Choices game in Madison, WI.
Beyond the Game: Tara’s Sustainability Story
Cool Choices alumni are always inspiring us with how they continue to take sustainable actions after participating in our online sustainability program. This month we were impressed by the awesome things Tara is doing at work and at home.
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
Personally, I now carry a stainless steel coffee cup and a plastic tumbler with a lid and a straw in my car so that when I get a cup of coffee or a fountain drink I do not have to use a disposable cup. All gas stations accept it and fast food restaurants are okay with it if you don’t go through the drive-thru. Sometime I get funny looks, especially at fast food restaurants, but I am comfortable with my decision to eliminate the use of bottles and cups that are going to be thrown away.
Professionally, I have been able to get a recycling receptacle in our R&D test kitchen. 100% of the waste generated in the kitchen is now sorted properly. I have found that we had to make it easier than just throwing everything in the trash.
Do you have any tips for others trying to be sustainable?
Look at your kids and determine if the world you leave for them is the world you want them to have.
Tara took part in the Cool Choices online sustainability game in 2014 with West Liberty Foods. Inspired by Tara’s story? Remember, you can make a difference!
Beyond the Game: Sarah’s Sustainability Story
Cool Choices alumni continue to take sustainable actions that inspire their work, home, and community. We were impressed by the cool things Sarah has been up to since taking part in our online sustainability program.
What green activities have you been up to since taking part in the Cool Choices program?
Since the game, I’ve continued commuting to work by bus every day, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (looking into LEDs), and using a reusable water bottle. It’s got BB-8 on it, and I’m thrilled — if you’re going to be using one every day why not make it fun? I’m also planning on starting an herb garden in my apartment, something I can use on a regular basis and something my cat will also enjoy (I’m hoping to find some peppermint plants at the farmer’s market).
What tips do you have for others trying to be sustainable?
My tip is to start small; don’t try to make a ton of changes at once or you’ll drive yourself crazy. Pick one thing, get adjusted to it, and then make another change.
Sarah took part in the 2015 city wide Cool Choices game in Madison, WI.
