The further and further I get into my "experiment" the more I find that the so-called changes I have made are becoming second nature. I no longer go into my days thinking about day ?? of 365...it's just another day in my life and another opportunity to do something good for the community and the planet. Each day I find that there are more and more things I can do to challenge myself and to lessen what I leave behind. The latest- No Impact Challenge. Through a series of links I was going to for more information on local eating I came across No Impact Man's blog (I had read about him in Sleeping Naked is Green--info at www.greenasathistle.com) which led me to the website for the project (www.noimpactproject.org). I have been making small changes, for the environment, since starting to eat locally, as most the information I find on locavores leads me to interesting links and resources about living greener, so this challenge is perfect! I would love to have a local group take the challenge with me! I should get information soon as to when it starts.
I have also found there are frustrating barriers to things I would like to do because of where I live (in a condo)...planting a huge garden that will feed us through the season, composting without violating a condo-law, biking to work without getting squashed on the highway, and freezing large quantities of food (having a large freezer in addition to my refrigerator would just make me feel like I am undoing any planetary good I have done). So- I am doing what I can in my small space and forming habits I can live with day to day, while holding a job, keeping a partner, and not starving.
So what have I done?
-Set up recycling bins in the garage
-Unplugging appliances when not in use (and following my loved one around turning off lights!)
-Traded in two old (one gas guzzler) vehicles for smaller, more fuel efficient cars
- Buy 90% of our food from the Farmer's Markets and the local Co-op
-Eat and buy locally (I am averaging 70% daily and have forced my partner into about 40%) with a goal of being able to maintain 90% for a month.
- Switched my cat to a more natural and Eco-friendly brand of food (though it has created a much more vocal cat)
- More houseplants and less TV
-Fair trade coffee
-Doing most my shopping at second hand stores
-If I purchase new I try to buy items made with mother earth in mind.
-Turning off the water when I brush
- Adding two water bottles to the toilet tank so it uses less water
-Cutting back on shower time and let my hair air dry more (which is especially easy when I am running late!)
-Recycling books (at the resale bookstore) and magazines (I am sure fellow gym members love me!)
-Reusing containers in a variety of ways
...I am sure I have left out some things that I do on a day to day basis that I don't think about anymore.
What I want to add to this list...
-Be more visible with the organizations in which I am a member.
-Get out my bike and use it to get around town.
-Use my granola bar "business" as a way to inspire change in others (get to the Farmer's Market!)
-Begin my month of 90% local eating (I can do this tomorrow!)
-Cut meat from my diet
-Integrate my education into my classroom.
-Buying locally made, earth-friendly, world-relief instilling products for my loved ones for Christmas (wrapped in reused and/or recycled paper)
It is good to have goals...
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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