Winnie Kong

My county (Marion) opened up recently to Phase 1 and I was able to drop off clothes and things I've accumulated for donation. It felt good to drop them off because it freed so much space in my closet. It made me realize how to let go of things that no longer serves me a purpose. This post will probably sound philosophical but it seemed like I was holding on to things simply with the idea that I once liked it and there were memories involved. But sometimes those past memories are not enough to have these items physically take up so much space. Perhaps it's a metaphor but when I feel like physically something is taking up so much space, it translates into an emotional space as well. Freeing up physical items also means freeing up your mental hard drive. I think we all deserve to clean our hard drive once in awhile and start fresh.

This week I managed to only walk to nearby stores and green spaces instead of driving. Granted, I only did that when the weather was nice but it was good to lower my carbon footprint as well as get in some daily activities. I bring face masks, tote bags, and my backpack whenever I need to get some groceries. I listen to my favorite podcasts (TED Talks, The Daily) during my walk to pass time and learn a thing or two. This is something I will most definitely incorporate into my daily routine in the following months. I also take my puppy if it's a short walk!

This week, I didn't spend money on things besides the necessity. I did spend money on local food businesses but that helps both the economy and my stomach haha. I realize after getting my monthly paycheck that I am fortunate enough to be able to set aside some money to save. I feel like the last month made me realize what my needs and wants are. I have completely downsized the things I own. It's funny because I remember at one point, those things that I'm throwing out was a big part of my life. But I realized I'm someone who goes through phases with my hobbies and interests that it is not sustainable to keep buying new things to fulfill my current wants. I would rather pay more for quality and local items than mass-produced, generic items. I guess these stay-at-home times have made my life simpler in the sense I'm more aware of my consuming/spending habits and choosing to not participate in them as much.

I love tracking my expenses to see where my money is going towards. I was quite obsessive with it this year but ever since the pandemic I fell off the track. I'm not spending as much money overall but I should still account for my online purchases because they add up! I have this app called Spending and it keeps track of all my expenses. I even upgraded for a few dollars to take off the annoying ads. So far this month I spend pretty much all on my new puppy and essential food items. Overall, I believe next month will be better as I will already have the essential items for my puppy. It is nice to know how much I spend because then I won't give myself excuses on not being able to save and whatnot. Keeping track of my spending is a good thing for my finances and limits my carbon footprint.

Since being at home all the time, I have been experimenting a lot with cooking and baking. I am getting inspiration for my eco-change later on. This week I chose to lower my meat and dairy consumption. I google random recipes I'm feeling but add in the word vegan. There's a long list of recipes that pop up with the rating. I do make adjustments to some of then depending on the stuff I have. Also with baking, I prefer to use a natural sweetener-alternative called monk fruit. It taste just like sugar without the insulin spike. I made vegan banana bread the other day and it was slightly too soft in the middle so I'll adjust the temperature next time I make it. I plan on having this recipe in my eco-change.

I chose to do the Bull Run Watershed which supplies drinking water to the City of Portland. Bull Run serves over 950,000 residents in the Portland metro area! The watershed is located 26 miles from downtown Portland in the Sandy River basin on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The 102 protected square mile collects water from rain and snowmelt. The Portland Water Bureau treats the water before it enters into the three conduits that transport it to Portland. One interesting fact is that water flows to Portland by gravity therefore reducing the need for fossil fuel. The backup water source is groundwater wells along the Columbia River.
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/water/29784

I watched The True Cost of Food documentary. It is crazy to hear these statistics that many people are simply unaware. A part of me believes people are being ignorant in order to feel bliss. I love small, local farmers (and businesses) because they are the people who are usually more in-tune and aware of the environment and health as opposed to large chain corporations. I didn't realize that farmers are becoming more abundant throughout the years. It goes to show this 'silent' movement that people have been wanting to shift to but is being ignored and squished by the top down. Watching the documentary gave me inspiration to do my best to only buy from locals. Even though it may be more expensive upfront, at least I know I am paying for the true cost of the product. I don't want my health and the environment around me to pay the price for something I find convenient short-term.

My challenge this week involved reading on current scientific articles that relate to climate risks and vulnerabilities. The article is called "Climate change's impact on key ecosystem services and the human well-being they support in the U.S." by Nelson et al. (2013). I like the emphasis on the long term economic side of ecosystem services and the need to invest in our environment.

Hi everyone! I'm a 22 y/o living in Portland, OR. I'm graduating from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Management this term. I am very environmentally conscious, however, I have realized I can always do more in living more sustainable. I hope to adapt more eco-friendly knowledge and routines into my daily life and spread the message to my community.