5 for 5 today!!

Hello friends and teammates, 

Happy fall! I'm looking forward to sharing this adventure with you all, and thought I'd share a personal moment that re-invigorated my eco-motivation. This morning, I had a moment that really got me back in the spirit to participate in the EcoChallenge. As someone who has moved at least yearly for the past 7 years, I've struggled to settle in to behaviors and actions that support my local environment, particularly shopping local. 

Andrew and I started our lazy Sunday routine by heading to the nearby farmers market and picking up our produce for the week.  However... this morning I realized that I have unwittingly adapted to a new eco-friendly behavior of buying all our fresh produce at the farmers market, rather than the grocery store! What started as a sporadic, perhaps seasonal, trip to the market has now become a centering cornerstone of our week. They say it only takes a few weeks to adapt to a new behavior, and I have to say that our weekly market runs are proof. We began this tradition in late September, and it's already an irreplaceable part of our week!

That moment really encouraged me. I have the tools and the motivation to take something that feels huge and burdensome (sourcing all our fresh food locally) into something entirely ordinary and enjoyable. It doesn't take any extra time, and it aligns my behavior with my values.

With that said, what are we waiting for?? You have two days to select your actions and commit to changing your behavior to reflect your values. I've committed to:

1) Making 1 call a day to an elected official or company to promote planet-friendly policies.
2) Try a new method of food prep during the challenge--baking homemade bread, canning, or pickling (TBD).
3) Practicing gratitude every day for our Earth (10 minutes per day outside in meditation and reflection.
4) During the entire length of the challenge, (and THIS IS THE BIG ONE), not use ANY disposable plates, cups, or utensils. 

I can't wait to see what you all select as your challenges :)

Thank you for being my community,

Hilary

 I consider myself a slacker environmentalist. I recycle, reduce, reuse, and encourage others to do the same. I started a sharing group online with neighbors.  I consume a diet free of animal products.  But I create too much waste, often throw things away that could be recycled, and take plastic bags more than I feel comfortable. I'm looking forward to  this challenge and the opportunity it gives me to step up my game.