I usually make purchases from places that offer paper bags, that way I can reuse/recycle them. Often times when I do need a bag and only plastic is offered I will reuse the bag until it falls apart. I use plastic bags to deep condition my hair, I have a bag from about 4 years ago that I still use for this process.

I don't need a piece of paper to tell me something I can find on the internet, I don't need a paper copy of my bank statement...all of this will just get shredded and recycled anyway. Why not save the paper from the start. I feel more empowered by this change. I always say I want to change my eating habits to reflect the change I want to see in the environment (buying local, buying organic, choosing vegan options once a week), this challenge is helping me reflect and make a plan to do the things I say I want to do.

This does not surprise me. However, I think that Portland does an amazing job to increase the use of public transportation and bicycles. Our public transit system is very efficient and accessible. It has been taking proper steps to branch out farther into different areas. There is room for improvement but I think those areas have been addressed and are probably being worked on. (The education funding is pathetic!!!)

I instantly thought of the Locard Exchange Principle, stating that everything we touch, we leave traces of ourselves behind...and vice versa. This rings true for our environment and our community. how we live impacts the world around us and it impacts us.