Andrew Stuhl

Thinking about 3 things I am grateful for (and writing those down) or emailing someone to appreciate them is such a small, powerful thing. Why is that? I am so curious about happiness and how to live so as to be happy. I remember reading thoughts on happiness by David Brooks ( a columnist for the New York Times). He said that there are several kinds of happiness, or, to put it another way, we often mean very different things when we talk about feeling happy (ie. fulfillment, a sense of purpose, a sense of contentment, pleasure, etc). Brooks says that these feelings are not all equal or lasting and that fulfillment is a much deeper sense of happiness than experiencing pleasure. So while I am happy to eat cake after lunch, I am so much more (ful)filled when I practice gratitude. Thank you EcoChallenge (and David Brooks)!

Just did an energy audit online through the EPA "Yardstick" feature. This required entering some basic info about my house (size, age, # of occupants, etc) and also our utility usage over the last 12 months. Not a huge surprise in the results, but it is interesting to look at. We already employ lots of energy-saving behaviors, but we could go much further in insulating (our walls and attic). Ariana and I just talked about this, and we are likely not going to invest in insulation in this house; rather, we are looking to move to a different house (still in Lewisburg) that we will live in for the next 10-20 years and invest in more energy-saving features there. We also talked last night about eventually buying an Electric Vehicle and powering it through solar panels on our house! Like Prof. Jannson does!!

IT IS TIME TO LEVEL UP PEOPLE!! Week 2 of the EcoChallenge, here we come! I added some challenges relating to energy, community, and health. The "health" one is to write down 3 things I'm grateful for each day OR email someone to show my appreciation for them. I just texted my bro who is VERY different from me, with whom I often (respectfully) disagree. I told him I appreciate his critical mind and that I respect his different perspectives and I wish we could hang out more (he lives in Texas). It nourishes something deep in my soul to tell someone I care about how I feel about them! Good luck out there!

Just want to say -- the "Learn More" tab came through in the clutch for my One-Time Challenge (Go Paperless by opting-out of junk mail). I receive so many 'pre screened offers' for credit cards, insurance, and donations to charity organizations each week. It is ridiculous. The "Learn More" tab pointed me to this Washington Post article (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/how-to-stop-junk-mail-and-save-trees--and-your-sanity/2018/02/12/6000e4c4-05d9-11e8-b48c-b07fea957bd5_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.fc197c7bcda3) and this helpful service (https://dmachoice.thedma.org/index.php). I had to pay $2 to opt out, but I did it quickly and comprehensively! Thanks EcoChallenge! 

Getting excited to level-up my challenges for next week. Need to think about where I want to challenge myself. I spoke with Ariana about her make-up last night -- she said it is all store-bought. She has thought about making it before, but hasn't put in the time to research it. I can say I don't know the last time she bought make up from the store. And, given we keep receipts on everything, that is probably something I'd see in our receipts file. Keep on keepin' on everyone!

Yes I am carrying around my trash today on campus!!

Let's goooo! Day 1 of the EcoChallenge is here. I couldn't be more excited and anxious for what is to come. My breakfast rarely includes meat and that was true for me this morning. I packed my lunch and it does not include meat, so I am good for my "2 meals a day without meat" challenge! I'm also carrying around non-compostable, non-recyclable trash with me today. So far, no items! We compost and recycle at home, so I have yet to produce something headed to the landfill. Good luck everyone and congrats on starting this adventure!

I just went through all the challenges to select those I "already do." It was rewarding and enlightening: I'm proud of what I do, but there's always so much more to learn and try. I'm excited for the challenge. I am going to start with two challenges in waste and one in food -- 1) opting out of unwanted paper subscriptions (ie junk mail); 2) carrying around all my trash (that's going to be insane!) and 3) eating 2 meatless meals a week. I will do my best to stick with it!