I'm so glad to hear how you're benefitting from the Ecochallenge! I hope you enjoy your walk.

Michele, I hope you don't drop out! It does get kind of routine checking in all the time on the daily actions. However, it's been my experience that things get more interesting for me when I get into the one-time tasks, especially the ones that encourage me to read up on or listen to podcasts about specific issues and tactics. I found it very eye-opening to learn how things are done in my local community, such as energy generation, water provision, garbage and recycling processing. Now I know where to go to get answers or press for action by my elected representatives, and I've made connections with other environmentally-conscious people in my area; this has really expanded my capacity to effect change.

And you don't have to check in daily if you don't want to or if it's not convenient for you. The Ecochallenge is all about empowering you to identify sustainable practices that work with your lifestyle. As a personal example, I'd love to use a bicycle to get around more, but as an older person in a huge city where folks drive like maniacs and the mayor is actually actively dismantling bike lanes, I don't feel like that's a safe thing for me to do. Instead, I've focused on using mass transit more. I know I'm still making a difference. I hope other people can share what's worked for them.

Thanks, Mary. I didn't see a way to reply directly to you, so I hope you get notified about my response. First, thanks so much for your flexible approach to this effort. I was concerned about pulling your scores down within the challenge. I'll remain on the team due to your encouragement.

Lovely pictures. Those older industries do still take their toll on environmental quality.