For the EcoChallenge I have been inspecting our garbage cans each day and food packaging waste is by far our #1 issue.  This experience has inspired me to cook more from scratch.  A win for the environment and a win for our health. 

Cleared another area today. Found items to donate and organized it so that we won’t accidentally buy items we already own. 

I've been inventorying our family's garbage each evening.  I can't believe the amount of food packaging garbage that we create.  This weekend I am going to make more of an effort to purchase food that isn't overly packaged.  It's going to mean more in meal prep time, but well worth the effort.   

Yesterday, an awe-inspiring hike to Lake 22 near Granite Falls in the central Cascades.  I am so grateful to be living in a part of the country with so many natural areas to explore. 

Today I managed a styrofoam recycling event.  The people in my neighborhood filled twelve HUGE plastic bags with styrofoam.  (These are big bags -- probably four people could fit inside them.)  While I am very grateful to be part of an activity that keeps styrofoam out of the landfill, I look forward to the day when these collection events are no longer necessary.

I did walk today!!

With a full time job and limited time after work, I thought it would be hard to add "taking a walk" AND "replace screen time" each day, but in reality it has been pretty easy! Taking a long walk with my dog after work energizes me to ignore the television and head to bed to read, instead. 

Both yesterday and today I fulfilled my pledge to take a walk, combining each walk with errands in the neighborhood.  I hope to get to the point where my first instinct is to walk wherever I go within a mile or two.

Wish me luck!