Erica Ruland

Starbucks Partners for Sustainability

"To put the best interests of the environment before my convenience in my day-to-day life "

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
401 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

144

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

180

minutes

spent exercising
UP TO

30

minutes

spent learning

Erica's actions

Waste

Use Reusable Bags

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

High Impact Action Track

Research Impact Investing

Simplicity

Using the links provided below, I will research impact investing and deterimine if it is right for me.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health

Exercise Daily

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 30 minute(s) each day.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

Conserve Toilet Water

I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Water

5-Minute Showers

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

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

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?

Erica Ruland 10/23/2019 11:08 AM

This article makes me so happy! https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/wood-chips-fly-at-elwha-river-as-beavers-make-a-comeback/

I went to check out the area in 2014 as the last of the Elwha Dam was being torn down and it was kind of an impactful experience. It's amazing how quickly land can go back to nature and 'heal' itself. Makes me hopeful!

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Erica Ruland 10/23/2019 9:32 AM

Interesting article about the future of trans-ocean vessels: https://grist.org/article/dream-ships-could-turn-the-tide-for-trans-ocean-shipping/

The computer generated images in the article are pretty cool too 🤯

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Erica Ruland 10/16/2019 2:06 PM

I'm doing a remodeling project at my house and tore down an existing/dilapidated garage and am building a new garage with work space and was able to find people who could re-use these materials:
- Corrugated metal siding (for siding on a storage building on vacation property)
- Wooden beams (for joists in a deck)
- Old fence boards (for decorative wall panels in a cabin)
- Broken concrete (for a raised bed)

Feel great that these items didn't end up at the dump!

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Erica Ruland 10/03/2019 2:11 PM

Informative read about the US's recycling conundrum now that China has stopped taking our plastic garbage -
https://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-us-recycling-industry-is-struggling-to-figure-out-a-future-without-china/

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste 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? Carry things out in your hands? In a cart? Accept a disposable one? If you find yourself in this position often, what system could you put in place to try to create a successful habit of not using plastic bags?

Erica Ruland 10/02/2019 12:41 PM

I have SO many tote bags and kick myself when I forget them on a trip to the store. I will make a point to put extra bags in my car. If I find myself at the store without a bag, I do usually accept a paper bag if I have enough groceries to warrant it. But I always save my paper bags to be used for things like putting kitchen compost in.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
High Impact Action Track Research Impact Investing

How might impact investing help you better live your values?

Erica Ruland 10/02/2019 12:36 PM

The holidays are fast approaching! I will be mindful of the companies and organizations I purchase gifts from for friends and family.

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- Erica Ruland 10/02/2019 1:22 PM
  
  I should add that I will also continue to research impact investing and how I can responsibly chose how I invest my savings.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Health Exercise Daily

How can you incorporate other personal values (like quality time with friends or spending time in nature) into your exercise routine?

Erica Ruland 10/02/2019 12:26 PM

My reset button is getting out for a trail run. I try to meet-up with a couple different running groups once or twice a week, but have skipped several weeks (errr...maybe months) due to other obligations (errr...or laziness) - I'll make it a priority to run with a group at least once a week. This is important for my mental and physical health!

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