Maggie Hawkinson
10/24/2018 9:05 AM
Instead of buying reusable bottles with extra pieces such as straws we have switched to basic bottles with flip lids in order to avoid losing pieces and adding to waste.
High Country UCC Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteWhile water bottles serve an important role in places for health and safety, we can do more to reduce the unnecessary use of them. Can you identify the barriers in making this a new habit? How can you set yourself up for success in making this a permanent change?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicityBuilding community is good for your soul and fun to do! What were some of the positive outcomes that came out of your group garage sale?
Maggie Hawkinson 10/24/2018 9:01 AMI will be hosting the clothing swap at our church but predict it will be a great time of sharing and fellowship while we avoid causing further harm to the environment. Everyone will save money while also clearing space in their homes and giving away unwanted and unneeded items. -
Thomas Shessler 10/24/2018 6:23 AMSometimes, the most challenging thing about this challenge is to remember to login! LOL -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteField trip! What a fun way to learn about our impact and consumption! What facility did you visit? What did you learn? Did you take anyone with you?
TAMARA FRANKS 10/22/2018 8:15 AMVisited the Watauga County Waste Center on Thursday, October 18. I learned that my garbage gets shipped off the mountain to Catawba County. I also learned that the new Director of Recycling is doing everything possible to lessen the trash deposited into the landfill. Within this goal, the recycling amounts have plateaued over the last 5 years. The next challenge becomes finding ways to increase what is recycled. A pay for trash vs recycled for free is one thought stream. Disposability is too easy in our lives. -
Maggie Hawkinson 10/21/2018 5:13 AMI have just added the challenge of holding a garage sale but am actually organizing a clothing swap. The clothing industry is pretty terrible for the environment and a clothing swap is a great way to fight that carbon footprint as well as fight against the negative working environment of the factory workers. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealthHow does/can practicing gratitude keep you centered and motivated to work for a better world?
Maggie Hawkinson 10/21/2018 5:08 AMWe are surrounded by negative news and are always aware of the pain and suffering occurring all around us. When I focus on positive things, no matter how small or insignificant they may seems to others, it helps to remind me that there is good in the world and hope to hold onto. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealthWho is most affected by environmental degration and/or environmental irresponsiblity in your community? How are they affected?
Maggie Hawkinson 10/21/2018 5:07 AMOur entire town is affected by the irresponsible decisions on land use. There is clearly environmental injustice in the area of Bamboo where the Hospitality House and public housing are located near the sewage plant and gravel plant. Schools and children are also inoacted by the impending asphalt plant being built. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONNatureHow can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place?
Thomas Shessler 10/20/2018 3:52 AMTime in nature restores balance in an unbalanced world. A reminder that we are part of something bigger. But only part, not necessarily the focal point. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWasteField trip! What a fun way to learn about our impact and consumption! What facility did you visit? What did you learn? Did you take anyone with you?
Connor Boyle 10/19/2018 8:32 AMVisiting the Watauga Co. Waste Transfer Station really gave me a perspective on how much waste we generate and much shouldn't be thrown out. Apparently it is not uncommon for perfectly good TV's, for example, to be thrown out to make room for the latest and greatest new TV.
And did you know all the waste is trucked down to Lenoir and has been since 1994? Think of the huge carbon footprint associated with that! But the good news is that there are new people running the operation that hope to really reduce how many recyclable items end up in the waste stream, and possibly starting a compost operation out there. -
Maggie Hawkinson 10/18/2018 8:58 AMWent to Stickboy today and asked where I could recycle my plastic cup and they stated they recycled big items but not personal or small items so I offered to take it home and recycle it. The lady kindly took my cup to recycle in the back and appreciated my efforts. I'm not sure why they out my smoothie in a plastic to-go cup when I stated I was going to be dining in.