This has been a great way to give me focus.  I am now more conscious of when I leave a light on in a room none of us are in and I've bought a surge-protector with a switch for my laptop charger so I wouldn't have to remember to unplug it (to avoid "vampire power draw" for the unused charger).  I am also in the process of changing over old CFL's for even more energy efficient LED bulbs.

This has been making me think about my water usage.  Instead of running the water when I wash the dishes, I shut it off, and only run it when it is needed.  I find this challenge is helping me see the amount of water I am wasting in other areas too.

A good habit can become contagious, like a disease, only in a good way.  Yeah, a good habit disease is what this place needs...

Ya gotta start sometime, might as well start now...

My story: I was doing ok with this eco-challenge and then on Friday the e:mails started asking for donations. They did so again today. That definitely is turning me off to this.

When we first moved to Corvallis a  year ago we installed a 5.1kW solar photovoltaic system.  We have a small electric car (Smart fortwo) and after starting the challenge here I have attempted to charge my car more at home (relying on solar excess kWh than using the charging station at work).  This should keep it carbon neutral.

We should do this more often, saving the planet, that is.

Doing this challenge is fun, changing my behavior could become habit forming...

Doing the right thing (helping the environment) helps me feel happy, a happy body is an efficient body, it's a vicious cycle...

It can be a challenge to take 5 minute showers, especially when it is cold outside and the heat of the water is so refreshing.  I have a new strategy though which is making it work.