Michelle Knoke

My biggest takeaway from this challenge will be the notion that thoughtful choices we make every day can collectively make a big difference toward reducing our environmental impact. I tend to struggle with an all-or-nothing approach to many aspects of my life, which can make my efforts toward environmental sustainability seems insignificant. It's encouraging to see the totals of my points, our class, and everyone who participates in this challenge because it shows the big picture impact of everyone trying to do their part. I will take away the lessons I've learned about native people and their relationship with the land, how important it is to pass on traditions that involve preserving the land and taking only what you need to insure others and future generations have what they need.  

I find that it's easier to eat more vegetarian and vegan meals when more fresh produce is in season. I found the article "Stalking the Vegetannual" by Barbara Kingsolver in our text to be helpful in remembering which types of produce are in season at what time of the year. This makes planning meals around seasonal food so much easier!

I'm getting a little frustrated that my husband is not convinced that eating less or no meat will drastically decrease our carbon footprint. He understands that livestock require a lot of water and land to grow, but he's still not willing to change.  I don't expect him to stop buying meat altogether; although, that would be fantastic, but since we share food and we both feed our children, it would help if I had a convincing argument that would cause him to reevaluate his choices. 

What can I say other than today was a fail. Every meal had meat today. Some components were left over meat, which I didn't want to go to waste, which isn't so bad, I suppose. Tomorrow I will get creative and be more intentional about having at least one vegetarian or vegan meal. 

Two meals today were meatless. The great part about that was it wasn't very intentional. Meat was not the main course, and I'll keep these meals in rotation.

I learned about pollinators and their importance in plant and food production. Since I'm able to do more gardening this year, I got some ideas about flowers and shrubs I can plant in my yard that attract pollinators! Plus, who doesn't love it when butterflies hang around your house?

Today was difficult. Being unable to go to the store has limited our food options (during pandemic). It has made me consider meal planning further out in the future so cover more meals and build in more vegetarian/vegan meals. 

Breakfast for the family today was vegetarian (used eggs and milk). Tomorrow I'd like to do better with a vegan meal.