Another ecochallenge that I am taking on (for session 8) is using deck materials that have already been used to make a larger deck instead of keeping more lawn in my backyard. This will mean less water required for watering a lawn. 

I've been keeping track of my purchase, and I notice something. I had some periods of not spending at all, and then at some periods I would buy things here and there. I do notice how wasteful company deal with packaging. It's great that Amazon would offer option to receive everything in one package one day, but it results in a longer delay in the other items if it weren't available at the warehouse. Sometimes, this option is not available, and they end up sending out different oversized packaging for such a small item. Worst is that there is no way to opt for a smaller packaging for smaller items. And oversize packaging is also a problem, as it is a waste of plastic and paper for a small item inside it. 
That was the reason why I bought most of my items in same order, so I would only receive less packaging and all the items on the same day so I don't have to wait for each of them to arrive. I usually put an amount of budget when I buy an item, and I won't spend more if I don't have to. I think I've been doing some smart shopping for the past years. However, this still does not prevent trash in my room because of some packaging send out earlier or later regardless of the same-day option listed. I did not buy anything except for my project, and I also don't buy things because it's a hassle to wait for delivery anyway.

Over this past month I have made efforts to eat mainly vegan or at the very least vegetarian. I have slipped up more than a few times, but generally I feel better when I eat like this. Last summer I ate vegan for the entire 3 months and I definitely saw the benefits of it. Unfortunately it takes more willpower and planning then I have had this year, but I tried my best anyways. I have hopes that in the future I can make this more of a lifestyle, but I often give in to the convenience of readily available food when I'm busy or distracted in one way or another. 

I just moved to Eugene on Monday and my partner and I have been trying our best to buy local and support Eugene's many small businesses. Our biggest haul was from a company called "Marley's Monsters" who sell a lot of handmade reusable items (marleysmonsters.com). We ended up getting the reusable cloth "paper" towels, reusable trash liners, and reusable toilet paper (I know... yikes) along with some other goodies. This weekend we are planning on getting our produce from the local farmer's market. We're trying our best to get into more eco-friendly habits in this new space and so far it feels very successful. These sorts of changes don't really feel like the sacrifice they are sometimes made out to be and I hope we can inspire others, even if it's just our close friends or families.

Under the "consumption and economy" tab I chose to not buy anything except items required for health and safety. This went quite well for me I believe. Since the start of this class, I have really been able to lower my ecological footprint by lowering my food waste, etc. and this next step helped even more. I used to shop quite a bit and for stuff I did not need. So, this challenge was very helpful. It felt quite satisfying to only buy what was absolutely necessary. I was able to also save a significant amount of money which will be able to help me in the future.  I am quite thankful for these challenges over the past 4 weeks. Now I can continue to challenges myself in others ways as well.

I am visiting family out of town this week which has presented a great opportunity to support local businesses I wouldn't otherwise be able to support. We have been buying coffee from local coffee shops and shopping from local jewelry and clothing boutiques. It has been really fun to do this while traveling instead of going to a mall and Starbucks, for example. I feel like it has enhanced my experience and made me enjoy the trip even more.

I went on a walk today downtown. I discovered a few parks that brought an interactive experience for community members. (It ties into my project so I will be adding it). One of the parks was Tanner Springs Park. It is a sustainable park that was a formerly a contaminated industrial site. It is now a sustainable natural park. It was like looking at a piece of nature, but in the middle of the city. I wish they had more of these, especially in NE Portland. You should check it out! It is transit accessible. 

This week I watched the story of bottled water, it was interesting to hear,  I had no idea how much. bottled water we go through or that some brands of bottled water are really just filtered tap water. I think coming from Oregon we get kind of blessed with tap water that actually tastes good. This makes sense for me as whenever I go out of state I buy a lot more bottled water than I do when I'm home.    

My bathroom has a leaky faucet AND the toilet recently started running non stop. I've been extra conscious about  about tightening the sink handle and jiggling the toilet handle to prevent wasting water, but I finally contacted my apartment neighbor who's in charge of building maintenance and we scheduled a plumber for this monday.

Hola! Class, I volunteer for a community activity once a week for 1-2 hours online chat for the aging with disabilities: they present with signs of memory loss and some in early stage Dementia. Families set up the online skype, Facetime, via desktop, laptop etc.,and I'll engage with each individual about topics specific to their life history. Volunteers are provided with a brief Bio about our guest from the immediate family carer. Take note: HIPPA regulations and compliance are absolutely strictly adhered to at all times with chat sessions. It's fascinating to learn about timeline experiences of their past. I've engaged with a Professional ballet dancer, a Pro tennis player, a Criminal Court Judge who are in their Golden years today! It does require effort and creative motivation, yet the rewards are never ending. Smiles.