capstone summer 2026

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...