My challenges were much easier to achieve than I thought they would be. I will definitely be doing this next year. I feel bad that I couldn't get more people to join up. Will work on it during the course of the year.

I've been out of internet reach for the last few days but kept up my challenges. I know I've met the transportation challenge but our committee is still working. Unfortunately our work from the last two years may be for naught. Our condo will be presented with two budgets with condo fee increases at our annual meeting... one including upgrades for electric cars (5% increase) and one that does not (2.5% increase). We had presented the Board with 3 alternative financing plans but none were accepted. I can't believe that members of our condo will vote for a 5% increase to accommodate electric cars when (at this time) we only have 3 electric cars in our garages. Very disappointing. My car doesn't have enough miles to justify a new car... yet. But my next car will be electric. Uff da.

We have 5 days left to the Challenge. My only regret is that I was not able to convince anyone else to join me. I did this last year and look forward to doing it again next year. I'll just have to work on being more persuasive. 

The 5 minute showers haven't been as hard as I thought they would be. I still use a timer but I have a better sense of what I can do in 5 minutes. Today I also brought my mug to Collectivo. Great Chai Latte!

I've been away for a few days but have been able to keep up with my 5 min showers, bags, and cups. 

I'm not sure if today's shower challenge counts. Quick shower under 3 min but also a long luxurious bath. Used my attached bag for groceries and bottle for water. Great day!

Met with the Electric Car Committee today. We've gathered the info from the electric company and have estimates for retrofitting our condo's garages to accommodate electric cars. It's a start but we have a long way to go.

I discovered that it's pretty easy to take a shower under 5 minutes but a bit tricky to take a shower and wash my hair under 5 min?!?

I am hopelessly addicted to the sparkling water that I make with my Primo Flavorstation. I used to have SodaStream but my daughter-in-law told me to boycott the company for political reasons. I drink more water than ever and I never, ever use plastic soda bottles. I used my timer this morning and found that a 3-5 min shower is very reasonable. I was worried because I LOVE my hot showers. I don't think I'll have a problem with challenge #3 because I always carry an extra bag (Chico) with me. Also I'm on the electric car committee in our condo. That should count toward the transportation challenge. It's been a struggle because we have to retrofit the two garages. But more about that later. Enjoy Day #1 of the EcoChallenge!

The power of one: Today as I was adding my compost to our condo's compost pile I was thinking about the power of one. While living in our home in the country, it seemed like it took forever to fill our compost bin. In the city with my other contributors from our building, I witness the incredible power of one plus. Your personal commitment multiplied over and over by others who have personally committed can make all the difference!