Inclusion

That was lovely! Things I got out of this challenge:  1. I felt a dorky level of excitement and satisfaction from making small, compounding changes.  2. I  have purchased a bidet (and, through no fault of the bidet and only my dumb apartment, spent 2 evenings spraying myself in the face with my toilet's connecting hose, and had one awkward...

I can't believe the Eco Challenge is already over, but I'm motivated to try to keep implementing these actions on an on-going basis, specifically incorporating more meatless meals into my weekly meal plan, engaging in daily gratitude in a thoughtful way, trying not to accumulate stuff, etc.  I'm inspired by the collective impact our team and...

i not only learned that some plants i thought were native to this area were indeed invasive, but was excited to learn that most of the plants we have on our property truly are native. we also recently planted several lady ferns, which are beautiful, easy to grow/care for, and native! we are also very mindful when choosing plants that they don't...

i really like doing this challenge. i'm pretty well aware of my actions and their affects; i do everything i can (all year) to reduce my environmental impact, but this challenge is a good daily reminder to think a little more in depth about the things i do, and the things i could do better!

Bug Love! Final Post!  Fireflies -  I definitely don't miss the pace or general vibe of living on the East Coast, but there are a two very special phenomenon that I miss most dearly: thunder and lightning storms, and fireflies.  If you've experienced fireflies on hot summer nights back east, then you'll likely share my love for these...

i spent the last 5 days traveling and it was extremely difficult to honor this. There were a few days i just couldn't avoid buying plastic bottles, as the water is not potable where i was staying. However, i was much more mindful and i always bought the largest possible container to be able to refill my own bottle. i also am always sure not to...

Check it out!  If you live in an apartment complex or are otherwise unable to compost where you live, check out www.sharewaste.com.  From their website:  "We connect people who wish to recycle their kitchen scraps with their neighbors who are already composting, worm-farming or keep chickens. Now you can divert waste from landfill while...

Did you know? As of October 1st, Portland businesses (sit-down and fast food restaurants, food carts, bars, coffee/tea shops, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.) can no longer automatically include plastic straws, stirrers, utensils, or condiment packets in customer's orders.  These can now only be provided upon request.  Hooray for...

How does/can practicing gratitude keep you centered and motivated to work for a better world? With all the negative and/or overwhelming news out there, practicing gratitude helps me keep things in perspective and helps me focus on putting positive energy out there (into my life and into the world). :)

Spent the weekend de-cluttering my dresser and closet - it's amazing how quickly "stuff" accumulates!  In an effort to keep excess clothes, etc. from accumulating again, moving forward I'm going to try to get rid of 2 items for every new clothing item I buy.  Of the stuff I downsized this weekend, I donated a bunch of stuff to...