I have learned so much by participating in ecochallenge this year. While today is officially the last day of Earth Month, I plan to continue to keep it going... to rephrase Ebenezer Scrooge, "I will keep Earth Month in my heart all year long."

Spent a bulk of the last week learning about biodiversity and chemical use in makeup products. As a micro-influencer in the beauty space, it felt like a much needed step in my already "pretty clean" routine - AND I AM LEARNING SO MUCH. Hoping the companies I reached out to will think twice with their packaging and marketing eco-footprint!

I save the yogurt and other plastic containers for when I make my own. This weekend I made ricotta because I had whole milk, and I didn't want to run out for it. The cheese went into a container from the last time I bought ricotta, the whey is waiting for when i can make bread, and the empty plastic milk jug is being saved for self watering for my indoor plants for an upcoming vacation.

when milk is cheap, on sale, I load up and use some of it for yogurt. If I am in a hurry, I put the heated milk in a bowl with ice water to cool it down. Then the cooling water goes into the dog bowl, the cat bowl, or outside in the watering can.It takes an extra couple of minutes not to pour down the drain, but the second life before it hits the city wastewater is worth my time.

I spent some time in my sewing area this weekend. Many of my favorite clothing pieces came from thrifting, and I tailor them to fit me properly. I also have a cache of stained, ripped and other clothing that I use to cannibalize to use to repair and redo. Zippers, buttons, and pieces of t shirts used as backing when mending. Less for landfill, more to be used until threadbare and not usable anymore! I have found new ways to avoid purchasing new through this. One year a series of holey cashmere sweaters were washed in hot water, dried hot and made into slippers as Hanukah presents. And my daughter's favorite sweater is another cashmere with many many moth holes, which I darned in different colors and then applied beads onto the darns. Comfortable, colorful, and apparently the envy of many when she wears it.

Today has been a bit wet in my corner of the world, but there was a dry spot that I was able to get outside. I spent my time cleaning littler in the neighborhood. Maybe tomorrow morning will be drier so I can work in my garden!