Mackenzie Boehlke

I am not sure how our energy is generated. I would think it would be by water or wind. I think some of our energy is through excel energy. Right now the are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, but they still have a long way to go. I would say anywhere you go the effects on the environment, animals, and humans are going to be the same. Climate change, smog/foggy skies, and degrading grasslands/forests.

When I practiced mindfulness I was able to sit down, relax, and enjoy my food. When I'm on my phone and computer while eating, I don't really taste my food, that sounds stupid, but I am so distracted by the latest tweet or Instagram post that I do not realize what I am eating and how fast I eat it. Also, when I practice mindfulness while eating dinner I talk with my roommates and carry on a conversation. When we are all on our phones we are able to hear what the other person is saying, but we don't comprehend their words. When I practice mindfulness I understand what they are saying and can formulate a response.

I use plastic sandwich bags regularly. Instead of using those I can use reusable storage containers. They come in several different shapes and sizes, so I will be able to fit every food item I want into an container. By doing this I can greatly reduce them amount of plastic sandwich bags I use to a very small number or to maybe none at all.

I think my next step toward reducing my water footprint would be to limit my water usage in everything. Not only with taking showers, but with washing dishes, brushing teeth, washing hands, etc. Doing this is going to make an even bigger difference in reducing my water footprint.

The main barrier in this challenge is the inconvenience of a reusable bottle. When you have a reusable bottle once it is empty you have to continue to carry it around with you, while when you have a plastic water bottle you are able to just throw it away when you are finished. Another reason the are an inconvenience is because you have to keep refilling them. Yes, you can do that with a plastic bottle, but with plastic bottles you can grab 3-4 or however many you want to get you through your day, so you do not have to take time out of your day to go and refill your reusable one. To set my self up for success permanently, I simply need to stop buying packs of plastic water/juice bottles for the grocery store and use my reusable bottles.