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October 2 - October 23, 2019

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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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water 5-Minute Showers
    Five minute showers are an impressive step toward reducing your water footprint. What is the next step you can take?

    Rachel Ortiz's avatar
    Rachel Ortiz 10/23/2019 3:04 PM
    I found I have also been turning off the faucet while brushing my teeth instead of letting it run. It isn't a huge thing, but I suppose every little bit counts.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Nature Enjoy the Sunrise/Sunset
    Father Thomas Berry says, "...our primary purpose is celebration. Celebration of the dawn and the sunset and the different seasons of the year is a religious ritual, a way in which humans can establish their integral relationship with the universe, with the planet Earth." Respond to Berry's assertion.

    Rachel Ortiz's avatar
    Rachel Ortiz 10/23/2019 3:01 PM
    I particularly liked this exercise this time of year to witness the shortening of days for this season. I was pleasantly surprised to find that instead of getting slightly depressed that the days are getting shorter, this exercise allowed me to see the beauty in the shorter days. That was an unexpected "silver lining."
  • 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?

    Rachel Ortiz's avatar
    Rachel Ortiz 10/23/2019 2:54 PM
    I will go by the "purse test." If I can't just fit it in my purse (or a combo of carrying/putting it in my purse), then I will ask for a biodegradable option like paper. If paper isn't available, I will purchase a new reusable bag. 

    I haven't needed to in the past, but maybe another option could be to reuse a bag that someone else might be throwing out or no longer needs. Maybe even not purchase an item at that time and purchase at a time I am more better prepared. I definitely like the suggestion to just put it in a cart. I will have to remember that!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health Take Control
    How do environmental health, community health, and your personal health intersect?

    Theresa Wiese's avatar
    Theresa Wiese 10/23/2019 2:45 PM
    My personal health is directly affected by the health of the environment around me. The healthier the community is, the more likely that there are opportunities to have better personal health through community activities.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food Plant an Herb Garden
    Consider the ways you can garden: a plot of land? a patio container? hanging basket? windowsill gardens? What would work best for your living situation and lifestyle?

    Theresa Wiese's avatar
    Theresa Wiese 10/23/2019 2:43 PM
    I planted mine in small containers that I can keep inside over the cold winters where I live.

  • Theresa Wiese's avatar
    Theresa Wiese 10/23/2019 2:39 PM
    It's hard to believe the ecochallenge is already coming to a close. I have become more aware of little steps I can make that add up to a bigger impact over time.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Energy Switch to Cold Water
    What do you plan to do with the money you save from making more energy efficient choices?

    Theresa Wiese's avatar
    Theresa Wiese 10/23/2019 2:37 PM
    I will save that money for a rainy day fund - always good to have a little savings handy for the unexpected.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Waste Use a Reusable Mug
    Maybe you've heard how good it is to switch from a single use coffee cup to a reusable one, but it's just hard to make the switch. What stands in your way of making this a habit? By identifying the challenges, you can begin to work through them to have better success in taking this action. Knowing the difference you are making, how does it make you feel?

    Theresa Wiese's avatar
    Theresa Wiese 10/23/2019 2:36 PM
    I don't always have my reusable cup with me when I am on the go. I work around this by keeping reusable cups available at work and home, so I have one available most of the time.

  • Rachel Ortiz's avatar
    Rachel Ortiz 10/23/2019 2:31 PM
    At first, I thought the 5 min showers would be super difficult, but it's actually quite do-able. I actually found it kind of fun to race the clock! 

  • Mary Watson's avatar
    Mary Watson 10/22/2019 6:45 AM
    Did the energy audit. I made some changes like replacing weatherstripping. What a difference already!