My overall carbon footprint is quite minimal (3.6T CO2-eq / yr), and the majority of my footprint can't be controlled (even living in an economy triple dorm and eating vegan has some unescapable carbon footprint). There are however actions I could take to marginally lower my footprint. These actions include buying seasonal, local, and unpackaged produce and finding a way to compost unavoidable food waste (like banana peels).

today I chose to read academic books that I'm interested in, specifically in the interior design field, so I'm reading about something that I'm interested in and also learning and staying off my phone/screen.

Spending more time in the environment allows me to identify what I love about it, what I want to preserve, and what must be changed. Being immersed in nature leads to a more complex perspective on it that motivates me to be conscious in my efforts to protect it.

Expressing gratitude allows me to identify the aspects of my life that are important to me. This includes nature and its preservation, so thinking about what's important to me in the environment causes me to be more conscious in the decisions I make that affect it and motivates me to do more to preserve and improve the natural world around me.

I've heard this fact before, so it doesn't surprise me currently. It did surprise me when I first learned it, though. I would rather pay for tuition, rent, utilities, or donate my money rather than spend it on wasted food.

My experience trying to eat less meat was positive, but also slightly challenging. It was challenging to plan meals that met my nutritional needs while avoiding meat. Overall, though, I enjoyed my meals and was happy to reduce meat consumption.

I learned that my power usage could power the lights in the Eiffel tower for two days, which was surprising.

Living sustainably is informed by public policy. Environmental protections are enforced by public policy. Economic decisions are informed by public policy. Social dimensions and equity relating to sustainability are entirely informed by public policy. Voting and influencing public policy is how we promote sustainable living! Participating also means staying informed and being involved in local politics - going to town hall meetings, calling representatives, and talking with people around you.

We use the compost in our garden, and I notice with that I don't throw away as much.