Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
REFLECTION
QUESTION
Wildlife
How did it feel to plant something, and what kind of gardening did you do (indoors, hydroponic, outside in a garden, etc)? What did you plant and where? Feel free to share a photo to the feed!
Gardening is a form of meditation for me. It is so calming. Our garden club had our annual seedling event. I picked up some herbs, vegetables, and flowers and added them to the collection I overwintered in the basement. It is too early for most things yet, but hoping for a better year in my backyard garden. Last year was rough!
What was the most unexpected piece of trash that was picked up during your local cleanup effort? How does working with others to clean up your community make you feel?
During my local cleanup, the most unexpected piece of trash was a "yellow rubber ducky" toy🐤 that I found near Emerson's E.P. park pavilion. It was a funny moment to think about who / how it was left there!
What was the most unexpected piece of trash that was picked up during your local cleanup effort? How does working with others to clean up your community make you feel?
This weekend I purchased landscaping mulch from a business that sells natural wood-based products that are locally made. They have a very circular business model because it's the same place where area residents drop off trees, leaves, and other yard waste! Their material is generated on-site and available for pickup in bulk quantities. So, the environmental benefits include no extra packaging material and the transportation chain is very local (from their site directly to the consumers location).
What did you learn about how tourism impacts wildlife, and how can you make more conscious choices when planning a trip? How do you think your travel decisions can contribute to wildlife conservation and respectful interactions with nature?
I don't know if I'll ever be fortunate enough to take a wildlife trip to Africa or Thailand, but I will do my homework and make it a responsible one if I do. I have enjoyed our local Erin Hassanzadeh's On The Edge recent documentary about the polar bears in Churchill. Getting great coverage. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/on-the-edge-captures-a-canadian-town-at-the-front-lines-of-climate-change/
How did collecting rainwater influence your understanding of sustainable water use? What tasks or activities could benefit most from rainwater collection in your household?
Our rain barrel has been quite an ordeal over the past winter. I didn't get it put away before it froze solid. We wanted to move it, but it had to weigh 300 lbs. I won't make that mistake again!
What surprised you most about your water footprint, and how did it influence your perspective on water use? What changes can you make to reduce your water consumption, and how will these impact your daily routine?
After using the link to calculate my water footprint, I learned that my meat-loving diet is the biggest area for water consumption. 🐂😋🥩 Hey, at least my recycling and reuse habits help to offset that! 😏
Yes, that is kind of shocking, isn't it? I try to increase the number of meatless meals I make, but my meat-loving family always notice and think I forgot something!
I took a look at the SharePoint. Watched the video with Mike Train and reviewed the PowerPoint about Emerson's Greening of, Greening by, and Greening with initiatives.
I wasn't able to visit the sacred tribal location nearest me since it is a 5 hour drive, but I will make a visit this summer when I am on the north shore of Lake Superior. I did visit the Shakopee Mdewakanton website and read about their sustainability efforts. This community is very close to our headquarters location. https://shakopeedakota.org/environment/sustainability/
