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?
What actions did you take to advocate for sustainable food packaging, and how were they received? How do you think widespread changes in food packaging could benefit the planet?
This week, I had the opportunity to attend the SPC Impact: Harmonizing Action conference on sustainable packaging. I came away deeply inspired by the meaningful conversations and the passionate advocacy for smarter, more sustainable solutions—not just for food packaging, but for everything that reaches consumers. It's clear: we can and must do better. Let’s work together to build systems that truly support a circular economy and responsible end-of-life solutions for all materials.
Team, it has been an amazing journey with you all this year! I hope we all feel an invigorated drive to make a difference the rest of the year. Make sure all your reflection questions are complete -- and see you at the finish line!
Compostable litter bags and bamboo toothbrushes! I'm getting more and more used to checking the packaging for sustainability labels now instead of just throwing things into the cart. We have to be mindful!
This has been the most life-altering new habit for me. Adding regular exercise to my schedule has made a massive change to both my mood and energy levels. I'm still tired most of the time (adulthood, am I right?) but I have a lot more energy and endurance for active tasks than I did before and I am a lot prouder of my health. This is another one I'm going to keep up with!
How did being mindful of vehicle idling change your perspective on fuel consumption and air quality? What other transportation habits can you adopt to reduce your environmental impact?
My car has an idling shut-off button that I was hesitant to use before to the ecochallenge but am addicted to now. Every time I come to a full stop at a red light and it does not shut my engine off, I get upset! I'm still fine-tuning it, but it's a new habit I don't see myself breaking anytime soon.
This has been fun. I love routine and efficiency and have never been one to require soaking under a hot shower unless I'm aching something fierce, so it feels like a game to me. Still... The time that it takes for the water to heat up is an extra level of water waste that can be shaved down. I still want a graywater system in the future!
How did changing your dishwashing habits make you more mindful of water use? What other small changes can you make to conserve water in your household?
Being mindful of water use just made me all the more aware of all the other times we run water when we don't need to. I find myself turning the faucet off more often now and properly planning out the most efficient way to wash our dishes.
Before you started this challenge, did you think you were 'addicted' to sugar? How do you feel now? What was the most challenging part of reducing refined sugar, and how did you overcome it?
I certainly have not overcome my addiction to sugar, but I'm more mindful of my treats now. This one is going to be my greatest challenge moving forward, but I think this past month of cutting back has been a major first step!
Lisa Brenskelle 4/30/2025 4:23 PM