I have definitely being doing my actions everyday, but I have not been good about checking in every day. I apologize to my team! I hope everyone is doing great work and honing new, sustainable daily habits and rituals!
Why is it so difficult to understand the impacts our purchases and waste have on other people, animals, and places? How might your experience with this challenge impact your future consumption and choices?
It is very difficult to not see or understand the impact of our waste on the earth and environment, because most of it is out of sight and out of mind. During this exercise, I realized that I have about 2-3x as much recycling each week as waste. This is great at first thought, although I wonder how much of it is actually making it to be repurposed (I need to recheck the various guidelines in Oregon to be sure). Most of my waste was packaging from food purchases. This is frustrating! I wish that there were more grocery options that didn't have as much packaging. This also teaches me to look for, and choose, food that is more fresh and that doesn't include layers on layers of waste. It also is a great lesson in vocalizing the need for stores and companies to use compostable or recyclable packaging. Another question I have: how much difference does compostable packaging really make in our more immediate future (versus no packaging)...I know it will cut down on the time it takes for it to decompose. But it is still sitting in a landfill and we're using resources on creating it and turning it into waste.
Questioning the accuracy of my new 'smart meter' with the readings I got on the kill-a-watt meter. Time to chase down the missing energy sinks... if there is one...
I love this challenge. It makes me think outside the box and be curious of how I can simplify, detoxify, and improve my life and health. It is hard at first to implement changes, but being aware and making conscious choices makes me proud of myself and my accomplishments. I will continue many of daily challenges as I feel better and lighter.