Port of Portland

This challenge has really made me be more conscious of what I'm buying in the moment, like "Do I REALLY need that elephant ornament? Do I REALLY need to buy that jacket even though I have four cute jackets already?" I have learned to remind myself of what is needed compared to temporarily wanted. Yes, I'm going to forget about that...

I really like this practice. Life can get really busy and overwhelming, yet when I sit down and write what I'm thankful for, it really reminds me of all of the good in and around my life. This helps to center me and slow me down, even if everything around me can be chaos sometimes.

"It takes a village" totally applies in this case. When my environment and my community is healthy, I benefit and stay healthier as well. This keeps medical costs down and spirits up and everyone benefits as a result.

Definitely was addicted to sugar. I don't feel the massive roller coaster my energy was on as a result of cutting it almost completely out of my diet. It's really hard to stick to - and sometimes I binge because I can't take it anymore - so I'm looking forward to those extra strong cravings subsiding over time.

I love my container garden - loads of pots of all sizes and colors. I can move them to different areas depending on what they need at different times of the years. I've added more herbs as a result of this challenge and now have sage and mint in addition to the ones I've had for years. I love to cook so I keep them right outside my kitchen door...

Recycling has never been the answer - it's GOT to start with the packaging and we absolutely have to start demanding a reduced use of plastics to do so. Even buying vegan products to help reduce your carbon footprint on meat turns into purchasing things wrapped excessively in plastic - so it's a hard choice sometimes. The manufacturers HAVE to...

I definitely have a ways to go with working towards more goals, but I feel like I am taking more responsibility for my actions and working towards creating a more eco-friendly world.

Practicing gratitude helps me reflect upon the things I'm thankful for. Helps me experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness.

I'm planning on installing low-flow fixtures on all my bathrooms.

Because we don't directly experience the effects, we tend to ignore them.  Once you pay attention to what you're doing and how it's impacting your life.  It will help you see the impact on a much larger scale. What you're doing impacts not only you but your community.