The Standard

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."

I invested in reusable straws and cups, and I have some mesh bags when I go to the store for fruit and veg. Some items are packaged in containers (lettuce, kiwi fruit) so it's difficult to avoid everything.

Litter has always bothered me, and I did try to pick up some (papers, things that weren't crushed into the street), but I always wanted to do more. Having this as a "daily action" has prompted me to feel more connected to my community. There is a mini-mall near my house and have the tools now, so this will be something I continue over...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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!

I worked on one community project for 2 hours, but the rest was spent wandering my neighborhood picking up litter... thanks to supplies received. It's kind of a messy job, but it really makes me sad to see cigarette butts, soda bottles, fast food bags, and yes... even the green doggie waste bags. This was a huge problem 40 years ago, and it's...

Conducting a waste audit was a good reminder for me. I have some physical challenges so my adult sons do most of the cooking, but we have more waste than we should... and that would make my beloved grammy cringe. Still, there are areas that we are better at - reducing packaging and having access to good recycling facilities (including...