I always feel invigorated by seeing others participate in the Ecochallenge. To be able to share with others and feel a sense of community is inspiring and I hope I can inspire others just to do what they can! Every little step makes a difference! The little differences add up! Together we can restore the Earth!

A helpful app: I started using Yuka which is a free app that scans food and drinks as well as self-care products and provides a score. It lists the positives and negatives in terms of ingredients and explains why. The additive list is particularly helpful as it shows ones that are risky and explains why, but also the additives that aren't considered a risk. I've learned a lot using this app. It also provides alternative products that are better which is nice. I've scanned my coworkers' drinks and then given them the better options. I tell them that I'm trying to save their lives. They report each other to me when someone gets a drink that has a poor score. We do this in a lighthearted manner and make it fun. Especially when they "tell on" each other. And I'm enough older than them that I could be their mom, so now I'm everyone's Mom! LOL!

I try to buy food and other items that have thoughtful packaging. Many of them state how much post-consumer recycled materials were used and I love that they make this statement. It shows the power of the consumer. I noticed when looking up use of composite material vs wood that most of the composites are made from recycled plastics. Ecofriendly scoring is good with these items too!