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October 1 - October 31, 2025

Columbia Bank Feed

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  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four in the US spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Does this surprise you? Where else would you rather invest this money instead of wasting food?

    Eric Leatham's avatar
    Eric Leatham 10/28/2025 4:37 PM
    The amount of food wasted shouldn't be a surprise as it does seem fairly common. It's hard to eat more fruit and vegetables and keep them from going to waste at the same time but I have a pretty good system in place now.

  • Eric Leatham's avatar
    Eric Leatham 10/28/2025 4:34 PM
    2025 Ecochallenge is going great. Kind of a slow start for me to get used to the new items but now just a part of my day.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    What did you learn about your neighbors or community through this action? How can building connections with your neighbors improve your community?

    Suzanne Wells's avatar
    Suzanne Wells 10/28/2025 2:37 PM
    One of the things we are committed to is getting more involved in our neighborhood. We attended the neighborhood association meeting this month. Also, we are getting more involved in the community associations, and activities, which is very important to build a more connected life and be more present in the needs of the world.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    Why do you donate food? How does it connect to your values?

    Suzanne Wells's avatar
    Suzanne Wells 10/28/2025 2:34 PM
    I thought about our grocery trips and how often we buy things we don't need or that sit and go to waste. I thought if I filled up a portion of my cart with useful items that I know I was going to donate, and then the rest of the cart with only items I know I will use, that should help someone-somehow. My husband took the allotted food to the food bank last week. We started this process last week and what I noticed...is that it really is not hard and if it is a system- I think much more likely to stick with it. My husband and son plan to take a portion of food from our new system of shopping to the food bank each week.

  • Helen Walworth's avatar
    Helen Walworth 10/28/2025 8:46 AM
    I really enjoyed adding sunrise walks to my day. Watching the sky light up fills me with joy, a wonderful way to start the day. I didn't get to it every day, but plan to continue as often as possible.

  •  Anjie  Carman 's avatar
    Anjie Carman 10/28/2025 7:55 AM
    I have not done anything significant enough to log, however I made small changes within my household and for myself. I truly feel if we all made even one small change daily, at some point together we would make a significant contribution to the Earth. I feel good that I have created some new habits that will make a difference.

    • Mary Hanks's avatar
      Mary Hanks 10/28/2025 2:56 PM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      I agree that even the littlest things we do add up! Picking up trash, using public transportation instead of driving, eating less meat, buying fewer (but better quality) goods--these are actions many of us can do with little disruption to our lifestyle. And that often leads to wanting to do more, and feeling even better about it. :)
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Health
    Before you started this challenge, did you think you were 'addicted' to sugar? How do you feel now? What was the most challenging part of reducing refined sugar, and how did you overcome it?

    Tamara Wendoll's avatar
    Tamara Wendoll 10/27/2025 10:34 AM
    I am addicted to sugar, and it is a challenge for me! I am definitely second-guessing what I eat and am working on fruit instead of chocolate after dinner.

    • Kylie Janssen's avatar
      Kylie Janssen 10/27/2025 10:46 AM
      • Pet Parent 🐾
      I love sugar. If you like sauces like ketchup or bbq, Stubb's brand makes great replacements.

  • Deidre Baumgarten's avatar
    Deidre Baumgarten 10/27/2025 9:07 AM
    • Water Protector 🌊
    I spend the weekend on the river with my Sea Scouts. Ended up helping another boater by towing them to safety.

  • Lisa Cvejn's avatar
    Lisa Cvejn 10/26/2025 1:49 PM
    • Pet Parent 🐾
    I love the awareness that it creates and challenging other organizations!

  • Kelsey Campbell's avatar
    Kelsey Campbell 10/24/2025 4:09 PM
    I've been behind on checking in. But I have been able to get them all updated. I read through, and everything. :) Glad I was able to catch up in time.