Mary Ruth Kamp

This year I'm going to do a few smaller challenges and I"m excited to see where they take me. 
-Energy: I realized that I have a habit of just leaving my computer on, though I do close it, it is still using energy. I'll be reading news or articles and open up a bunch of tabs and when I realize that I don't have or want to take the time "right now" to read them I just keep the tabs open, which means leaving the computer on so I don't lose them. Kind of unnecessary b/c there are things called Folders/Bookmarks for a reason. :) One of my challenges is to be more mindful about turning off or powering down devices. I'm going to scour the house for devices that can be shut down when not being used and create a habit of turning devices off on a regular basis. 
-Nature: As I have run throughout the summer, I have enjoyed seeing new areas in my community (in Kidron, in Wayne County, and in Ohio)... but as I've done so I'm also realizing how many parks/trails there are that I've never been to. So, I'm committing to visiting at least 1 new park/hiking trail near by. 
-Nature/Simplify: Last fall I enjoyed sleeping out in my tent in my backyard for at least a month - and its that time of year again. This year I commit to sleeping out in my tent at least one night during the EcoChallenge and posting a gratitude list from that night. 
Can't wait to see how everyone else on Team REDBUDSUDS is going to engage in this EcoChallenge. You are all inspiring! 

The weather is starting to change (yummy cooler, cardigan days), the days are getting shorter (get out the candles or maybe go to bed earlier), and we're so close to the start of the 2017 EcoChallenge. Yippee! One of my goals this year is to get at least 2 new people to participate that have never done this challenge before! So glad to be celebrating the Earth with all of you on Team REDBUDSUDS!