Shana Nelson

Today there was an Oktoberfest party at my work. I planned ahead so I was using a ceramic plate and metal fork among a sea of people using disposables. People noticed it and I took the opportunity to tell them about the EcoChallenge. Responses were very positive and people asked a lot of questions. There was even a great idea to take the challenges as a family and focus on one challenge each month, working their way through all (or most) of the challenges!

Now that we're more than halfway through this challenge, I'm reenergized seeing how small actions can make a big difference. Alone I've saved up to 108 gallons of water so far. But as a team we've saved up to 1,944 gallons of water! Talk about a triumph of the commons! Activities like the EcoChallenge are really important to help us see how small, individual changes can really add up. It's easy to get discouraged when it feels like our individual actions don't matter. Seeing the group numbers add up really helps me from getting discouraged, and inspires me to do more.

I'm trying to pay attention to why I've failed keeping up with these challenges in the past, so I can figure out how to stick with them better this time. When it comes to not using disposable bags for purchases, I've noticed that retailers are very quick to bag purchases. It used to be that if they already bagged my item before I could say anything I would just take the bag. I think this is from being lazy & antisocial. I need to just politely refuse the bag, it's not like I have to strike up an entire conversation. Now I'm trying to make a game out of it... can I say "I don't need a bag" before they put the first item in?

Today was a success in all 3 challenges! As I turned down plastic bags at the store I realized that I use those plastic bags for the garbage can in my bathroom. So if I do forget to bring my own bag from time to time, at least the disposable plastic one is already destined to be reused.

2 out of 3 challenge successes today. I ended up using a disposable paper cup for some water at the Red Cross donation center. I don’t usually carry a water bottle because the one I have is big and glass. It's a burden because of its size and weight. Maybe I can find a smaller one that’s kid-size that would be easier to carry around.

For the first week I've decided to try 3 challenges that I've tried in the past but have since fallen into old habits. It's time to recommit to no disposable bags for purchases, no disposable cutlery or plates, and only flushing when necessary. I didn't shop for anything today so no need for bags. For lunch I packed silverware, which I mostly remember to do but often forget something and end up using plastic cutlery from the cafe.  So today I packed a fork, spoon, and knife. I think I might get a set second hand just to keep in my desk so I'm always prepared. And for the last challenge, well, there's no need to go into detail. Let's just say I've met the challenge.