For the transportation Eco-challenge, I have noticed that I’ve been practicing some good habits, even though further short-term changes would be a bit more difficult: I use the metro frequently, try to drive as efficiently and infrequently as possible, planning out rideshare options with my coworkers, rarely shop online, and have looked into EVs I’d like to switch over to in the future. I don’t really live close to most of the places I need to go, so walking and biking can’t replace most of my trips, but I have started making more of an effort to use my old bike for exercise and walk more often in general, even some quick hikes. Unfortunately, I’ve also realized how comfortable I had become with driving almost everywhere, which I think is true for a lot of other people, so this was a great reminder to not overlook my own contributions towards unsustainable transportation habits.

For the food Eco-challenge, I realized there was a lot of overlap with the other challenges and with the habits I already practice. I have been buying local and organic food, eating less, avoiding meat, and not throwing food away. I did like the idea of setting aside at least one day a week to eat vegan, and I think that is definitely a sustainable change for me moving forward; in addition to reducing my environmental impact it also helps keep me aware of what I buy and eat. For this challenge specifically, I researched vegan recipes that I could make in the future and tried one of them (vegan pesto and hummus sandwiches). Planning also became a major part of this challenge, so I meal-prepped for the week. I’m used to cooking somewhat spontaneously whenever I have time, so organizing and planning my meals was a significant change for me, although an important one. Meal planning reduces waste, saves times, and helps maintain a healthy diet. Overall, sticking to good habits really important for this Eco-challenge. Although the higher prices of some local and organic foods can make it more difficult, ultimately, it’s likely worthwhile, considering environmental impacts, the cost of meat, reduction of food waste, and the potential health benefit.

Nature

This week, I went camping with my dad and family out at Shaw Island, which is an island in the San Juan Islands that we go to every year as a tradition and camp at. My family members are all big on camping and going out into nature, and I somehow seem to forget just how much I appreciate being surrounded by wilderness until I'm out there. Going camping out there every year with my dad makes me want to continue the tradition myself when I'm older, and it makes me realize just how much joy I can get from not having cell service for a couple days or just going on a hike whenever I have time off work.

Consumerism

For this week, I went around to a couple garage sales with my friend in Portland when I needed a new pair of shorts. Usually, when I need new clothes I go shopping online, go to a store in person or go to a thrift store with friends. This time, I decided to cut back my usual habit of buying something new and I found a pair of brand new shorts that hadn't been worn for $2 at a garage sale. It made me realize that I would probably be spending somewhere between $30-$50 on a pair of new shorts if I had not decided to look at a cheaper, more sustainable way of buying something that I need.

Nature


For this week, I spent an hour outside walking and talking with my partner. I actually had so much fun! I felt closer to my partner because we weren’t on our phones and were present in the moment with ourselves and the nature around us. During one of our walks, we saw a beaver! It was so cool because it was on a trail that we live super close to. It was so beautiful to see the ecosystem that we’re a part of. Not only this, it felt nice to do something for myself (I don’t exercise very often) and I found that it really cleared my mind after each walk.

Consumerism

For this challenge, I noticed that I was spending a lot more on Amazon so I decided to try and not spend on anything new this week besides groceries. It was actually really hard not to spend on anything throughout the week so I wasn’t able to successfully complete the challenge. I had to pay for parking when I went to campus and was around Portland. I needed to pay for my car, gas, title, and registration. These purchases were necessary but It felt like I couldn’t go out without having to buy. So I really tried to stay home after this and keep away from window shopping online which worked towards the end.

Transportation


Since I got a car at the start of the term, I’ve been less inclined to take public transportation. So for this challenge, I decided to be more intentional about taking the MAX. Usually what happens when I drive my car to campus, it’s because I was really tired and wanted to sleep in more in the morning. So to be more intentional, I went to sleep earlier and I wanted to change my mindset around public transportation being more of a hassle. After completing this challenge, I found that I was able to save money on transportation and gas, as well as be less overwhelmed being late because I was getting enough sleep.

Community

This week I introduced myself to two neighbors I’d never met before at an event held by my apartment complex. I read about how inequality and privatization can erode our sense of social solidarity and it made me realize I’m not really connected with the people around me. I just pass by them. It was really nice to get to know my neighbors, it felt like I was growing my community and made me feel more connected to my roots in Oregon. Alongside this, I was able to help someone who was lost in Portland by being open-minded and less guarded. It felt good to get out of my comfort zone rather than being home all the time.

Water

I timed my shower for this challenge. My goal was under 5 mins and also taking a reusable coffee tumbler when I went for coffee instead of using a disposable cup. The plastic reading really made me think about how much waste I produce. Single-use items were so common in my day to day life. The plastic heat wrap on my cucumber or the plastic produce bag my potatoes were in, it made me cringe with embarrassment at how blind I was before. So for this challenge, the reusable tumbler felt like an easy win. However, limiting my shower was hard. I also tried to shower in colder water as well. (Yes, I do shower in hot water during the summer.) It was really difficult to get used to taking a shower in cold water and I kept running over the time limit the first few times. So to improve I put on two songs under the length of 5 minutes so when a song would end I could tell how much time I had left.

Nature

My Nature journey has always been evolving. I am trying to frequent going more to the river this summer. I have been out to the river a a few times, because I had paid for a parking pass last year. I like to go out and take photos and sometimes being out in nature is inspiring. Putting your phone away is something most people struggle with, but it feels nice to ignore technology and breathe in nature. Just to listen to water and the animals noises. I need to make sure I make it to the ocean this summer as well. It's very soothing to see the ocean and feel the water that connects us all. Many summers I don't make it an I forget how lucky we are living in the west coast. I put the farm as the 2nd photo, because it was very magical first stepping onto the Sunflower farm seeing the butterflies this summer. I feel disconnected from nature sometimes. Third photo I put the Pickles Baseball game I went to last Thursday. It was a nice day at Walker Stadium at Lents Park. I forget sometimes how lovely just going to the park and seeing a live event in a crowd. Thank you for the course. It uplifted my spirts.