Capstone spring 2025

For my second ecochallenge, also focusing on waste, I decided to free myself from all of the random mail I get sent by taking the time to go paperless. I do not receive tons and tons of mail, however, I do get lots from OHP, food stamps, my old car insurance ( I don't even have a car anymore..), and my phone provider! It took me around 20...

For this week’s eco-challenge, I reviewed resources and learned about sustainable energy for 30 minutes, as well as doing an online at-home energy audit of my apartment to learn where energy use could be improved. It was suggested by Energy Trust of Oregon that I utilize PGE’s low income program or use their energy saving tips. I was also...

In order to save plastic bags, I choose to use my gym bag instead of going to the supermarket. This bag has a large capacity, which is equivalent to about two bags. At my purchase frequency, I could theoretically save about 40 bags per quarter. What a staggering number

For my challenge this week, I decided to do a personal waste audit. I tried to be really mindful every time I threw something away- what was it? why was I throwing it away? Did it serve a purpose in my life that could be served by something that wasn't single use? I found that most of what I was throwing away was food related. Almost everything...

This week, I chose to do the Personal Waste Audit and collect my non-recyclable and compostable waste in order to raise my awareness about the kinds and amount of waste that I produce. I collected approximately half a bag of trash and found that the type of plastic waste I produce the most is from bulk items rather than individually packaged...

This week, I decided to stop buying drinks at coffee shops—where I usually used plastic cups 2 to 3 times a week—and instead started buying sustainable matcha to make my own matcha lattes at home. I noticed that not only did I enjoy the process in the morning and become more mindful of the ingredients I was using, but I also felt less guilty...

For my eco-challenge, I chose to use a reusable bag for all the shopping I did this week. Usually, I never thought about bringing one when I go out to shop because I am not used to carrying a bag when I head out the door. It is not something that I did not want to do, but I simply never brought up the idea of developing a habit. My actions were...

For this week's eco challenge about waste I chose to be more diligent about using reusable bags when grocery shopping. I went to get groceries 3 times this week (at either Trader Joe's or Safeway) and also purchased a few more cloth tote bags from Trader Joe's so that I had enough to carry everything whenever I need groceries. Previously I had...

I would ask for a paper bag, or try and take the groceries out to the car in the cart, to unload without bagging them. According to What to do when your Grocery Store Says “No Thanks” to Your Reusable Bag, Paper is more readily recyclable in your curbside recycling bin (if it's clean and dry)(Services, Pg.1).” Finding myself in a situation...

For this week’s challenge to reduce waste, I decided to research composting in Beaverton. Since I live in an apartment building, I am not eligible for curbside pickup of compostables, yard debris and recycling. I think a lot of people who want to compost (but aren’t necessarily using the compost themselves) can understand. What should I do with...