I will find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Water
Understand My Water Footprint
Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Community
Explore the Community Feed and Connect with Others
I will spend 15 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.
COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS
Energy
Turn Off Lights and Electronics
I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS
Community
Learn About Constructive Communication
I will spend 30 minutes learning about constructive communication.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Participant Feed
REFLECTION
QUESTION
Community
Who inspired you on the feed, and why? Did you meet anyone new, learn anything exciting, or discover a new perspective?
I was inspired by Lisa Brenscale's posts today because they were thought provoking regarding her donations of food to food shelves and her maintaining her church pollinator garden. She is motivated by the multiple benefits each of these activities provide. Check out her posts.
I volunteered with Lisa today (well, I guess it's yesterday now) at her church pollinator garden! She organizes many events in the area and curates some very helpful resource lists. She's a true leader in the Houston environmental scene.
I joyfully participated in the No Kings protest in Portland today. It was an incredible experience to be in solidarity with so many people who share my concerns about this administration. It was our love of democracy and country that brought so many people out. We the people, sent a strong message to Trump, his cabinet, to our legislators, and to voters, that their actions with the military; with ICE; and with Federal employees and agencies are illegal, are immoral and corrupt. We are standing strong together. We will nonviolently fight this administration in court and at the ballot box and we will win!
We attended the Central Houston No Kings event (there were nearly a dozen additional events in small suburb communities). I’ve noticed an increasing participation by younger people and people of color (including those signaling Hispanic heritage). Houston has a very low-key reputation (no history of violence in response to Black Lives Matter or national sporting championships) but I feel for our Hispanic neighbors, especially, as this administration ignores the right to due process.
By the way, in addition to traditional costuming (Uncle Sam, etc.) there were a large number of people in inflatables: dinosaurs, unicorns and (of course!) frogs! Portland has demonstrated a great way to highlight how ludicrous this administration is treating our citizens.
Clear and constructive communication is at the core of conflict resolution and at the center of positive and successful relationships with others. When we actively listen to others we can show that we understand, value and have heard their concerns. This builds trust and provides a connection with others that allows us to dig deeper and continue dialogue on difficult topics. We may not always agree but building mutual trust and respect can go a long way. If we can find ways to resolve a specific community or environmental problem, then that is success. If you can just reduce conflicts and reduce negative statements and judgement, then that is success as well. Learning constructive and compassionate communications are life long skills for all issues and all relationships.
Two books I have benefitted greatly from include: Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillian & Switzler Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenburg, PhD
I believe I've greatly benefitted from reading Nonviolent Communication and attending practice sessions where we work on developing our communication skills.
In Portland, OR, electricity comes from a variety of sources including hydropower, wind, solar, natural gas, coal and geothermal. All forms of electrical generation have direct and indirect impacts on the environment, animals and people, however solar seems to be the least impacting. Coal (the most polluting form) is still being used to produce 6% of electricity in Portland but it will be phased out by 2030. Battery storage is increasing which will make low emission sources like wind and solar more efficient. Electrical demand is increasing as housing and the human population increases. Electric vehicles are also placing more demand on the Portland grid. Electricity costs are rising, up 17.37 % since this time last year. Any savings in electric costs gained from conservation efforts like turning off electrical drawing units, not only saves money but also benefits the environment as we stabilize demand as we convert to less impacting sources of energy.
Success, Surprise and Motivation. We have two apple trees in our small backyard. Apple production has been one of the best years ever in part because of all the mason bee boxes we have installed that increases pollinators and pollination. I have canned applesauce and cold pressed gallons of cider. Today, we are delivering and donating apples to food shelves, Headstart and to family. I am reminded that small actions can result in big rewards! These tasty apples have a thought provoking name especially appropriate for these times, "Liberty".