Kim Smith

Sadly, I struggled to consume any meals without packaging the last two days.  Traveling makes it hard. Plus, well.... there is a lot of packaging in Japan.  As committed as they are to sustainability (I was pleased with their metal silverware on the plane - in coach!), there really were too many aspects of the meals since I have been here to fairly claim any small efforts I made.

I felt like I had achieved the goal of using a reusable container - the flight attendant let me use my mug for the drink cart!  :)  Plus, ordered a focaccia, without any packaging.  It just arrived on a plastic plate though...  :( So, do I get half credit or should I undo the action?

I have so many paper files.  I hear that it is OK to get rid of tax documents after 7 years, but it still feels difficult to me.  Plenty of old documents heading off to the shredder today though.

PCC has awesome sustainability water bottles with the motto: "We're all in this together."  They also have provided a neat all-in-one utensil, with a knife, spoon, and fork.  I will add a picture.  If students want any of these, you might be able to get them through the sustainability office.

Moving furniture around is making a big difference in shifting space.

OK, the car is packed.  Donations and recycling to begin!

Choosing to declutter my home includes reducing the clutter that comes in.  Just converted another bill into paperless and have organized my tupperware options.  Next up, per a great conversation with colleagues: create a sustainability box for my car, including a set of leftover containers.  Sadly, this was inspired by many leftovers after a sustainability meeting.  Oh, the irony.

Sometimes it feels frustrating, like I am just shuffling boxes between rooms, but I have to really clear out a room and then decide how to create a functional design which best meets the needs and allows energy to flow, rather than get stuck.  Then, I can only bring items back in that I really need.  The rest has to go.

I focused on the outside today and sorted a bunch of plastic pots from gardening.  PCC Rock Creek has a big landscaping program and plant sale.  Rather than recycling the pots, I think I will see if they would like to reuse them.

Suddenly feeling fatigued by all of the stacks, but the EcoChallenge is at least providing the impetus to muscle through the inertia.