Monday, October 12

No Impact Week

Have you read about No Impact Week? It's starting on Sunday and it reminds me of things I want to be improving on. There's a downloadable guide here.

I've been driving way more than is healthy for the environment or me and I feel really wasteful, but it's hard not to just follow those patterns of consumption living in the suburbs of a huge city with people and places all spread out and no real option for public transportation. So, I'm going to try to re-think a few things to see how I can be less of a consumer.

I am taking a few steps:
  • I asked if our small group could use real plates and silverware instead of disposable ones. I volunteered to put them in the dishwasher and then put them away afterwards.
  • I use re-usable bags when I go to stores. (I've been doing this for a while, but I just started carrying a small bag in my purse to always be prepared!)
  • I started carrying around a stainless steel container instead of using the styrofoam ones for leftovers at a restaurant. I haven't actually used it yet, though.
  • I've been to three local Goodwills in the past week for furniture and dishes to get set up for the new apartment. I also got a few bottles I plan on using as centerpieces for the wedding.
I'd love to hear ways that you are being good to the environment! I've got a long way to go.

4 comments:

Jenni said...

I use reusable bags for grocery shopping, drink from refillable water bottles, have started using real dishes/silverware for my lunch at work, and recycle everything I can. I could still probably do more.

Unknown said...

I love recycling! I've been lucky to live in Austin and LA where they have bins to put all recyclables in and they get picked up on trash day.

Unknown said...

Recycling, reusable grocery bags, refillable drink bottles, reduced consumption of processed/packaged foods, hmmm...I'm with Jenni, we could do a lot more. This is a great "reminder" post, Lela. Recycling is easy and habitual for us now and I think I pat myself on the back a little too quickly because I do that and reusable shopping bags consistently. It's time to look at adding *more* good habits. :)

the Provident Woman said...

I love the steps you are taking. I have to admit I take those too. But I wish I could get more into recycling. If they would pick up recycling here I know I'd get more into it.

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