When researching this I found a great article which breaks down 35 ways to reduce your carbon input, take a look and spread the word! https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/energy-innovation/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint.html

Since we use solar we decided to do this in partnership with learning how the solar impact really shows within our household and how we can improve it. We've managed to reduce our energy output in the summertime due to replacing the weatherstripping on all windows, updating the window film to increase insulation and also keeping our house temperature at a constant instead of changing continuously. What we've also noticed with the season shifting is that now that our trees are getting more mature, they are in Fall getting covered so we've cut those back for maximum exposure on our panels.

Water is an important resource, especially so in Las Vegas where we are on constant restrictions. Utilizing xeriscape and drought tolerant plants throughout decreases the water need for landscaping, we use our appliances on off peak hours for both electricity and water efficiency, and turning off drip/sprinklers when rain is forecasted is another great tool, a little savings goes a long way!

One of my fellow PFS partners told me about how she reduced her bathroom waste to just ONE bag of trash so far this year so I decided to re-evaluate how I can better consume in the bathroom. I'm already utilizing bar shampoo/conditioner, glass refill bottle for soap that I get refilled locally, use washcloths/towels and reusable makeup remover cloths. Just need to cut down on ear swabs and get my husband to use more local bar soaps but we are working on it!

Today we went hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park and it was so calm and peaceful on the trail we chose, just puppy and I and very little interaction with anyone else except some deer and chipmunk. I was able to take deep breaths and really be in the moment to enjoy the beautiful weather and natural landscape.

I am encouraging my kids to research and make informed decisions for themselves and not just go by what I say or what their friends may say.

This has been a constant struggle with junk mail that we are receiving on a daily basis. I've made a point to start a pile with all the ads/magazines I receive and have started to email them to stop sending any physical materials and providing an alternate email for my junk mail to alleviate the overall load.

I have a resuable mug for my coffee, a Yeti for my daily intake of water and a Starbucks tumbler for my electrolytes. I'm proud to say that I haven't used a paper cup or plastic cup in almost 8 months. It's been a challenge for sure but we don't eat at fast food restaurants so that definitely helps, but we always bring our reusable straws and chopsticks to restaurants when we do!

Glass pyrex has become a staple in our house, to store fruits and vegetables, meal prep and leftovers. It's easier to reuse then to waste!

This is something that I have learned to love doing, I utilize the grounds from the garden program in addition I use crushed egg shells that I collect in a container in my kitchen for fertilizer along with compost, and ceylon cinnamon and spearmint as natural pest repellants.