GPSEN (RCE Greater Portland)

This was a challenging EcoChallenge for me. I managed to get most of my goals accomplished, but next year I'll be a little more restrained in how many different actions I take on. Still, what a great experience! I have learned a lot about further reducing our household "footprint." Thank you, NWEI people, for your hard work in...

The daily walk in the rain today was a chance to pay attention to where the water goes. Large parts of our hilly neighborhood lack sidewalks and street repairs, resulting in rushing rivulets of water being captured in potholes and crevices in the streets, while other streams run through channelized culverts passing the water from one front yard...

The challenge of using NO processed food in two meals a day is turning out to be tougher than I thought. I already eat lots of raw fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. But we also have all those convenience foods for busy days - soup, crackers, frozen dinners, Kind bars, bottled salad dressings, instant oatmeal, even vegan ice cream and bread...

I didn't get time for a true nature walk today, but when I went to my clinic in the NW Industrial District, I saw these beauties rimming the parking lot and had to take a walk all over the property admiring them. Years ago, someone had the forethought to plant these trees.knowing the fall color would be stunning. Today, I was the grateful...

Still need to remember to visit a farmers market...

In stressful or dangerous times, I am grateful for: 1. people of goodwill who care about others and about our planet; 2. the soothing and therapeutic benefits of nature; 3. the transformative power of love.

Nature journal day 4: It's migration season and a host of new birds are visiting our feeders. Our Audubon bird guide is getting a lot of use these days. I am constantly amazed at the variety of colors and beaks and sizes and shapes of our feathered friends, and of how well (relatively) they get along in sharing the feeder, especially during...

I love reading all the posts in the "Feed" section of the website - watching everyone trying to meet their challenges, making new discoveries, having fun, encouraging each other. Some pictures of sunsets and cats, too!

Although I did this a couple of years ago, it was time to do it again. Trying to once again reduce the junk mail that keeps coming to our house is a pain in the neck. The Direct Marketing Association does all it can to make you feel like you are throwing your life and credit away if you get off their offers of credit list, which is the biggest...

My 20-minute walk turned into an hour and 20 minutes with all the stops to visit with neighbors I hadn't met yet, who were also outside in the temporary sunshine.