Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
REFLECTION
QUESTION
FoodLearn the Truth About Expiration Dates
How does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?
Sure! I eat the soon to expire stuff first, even if I don't really feel like it at first I usually get in to the process of finding a way to make it work as a meal or part of one. Here is a photo of my cat by the way...
What do you do if you find yourself in the situation of needing a bag for items but don't have a reusable one with you? Carry things out in your hands? In a cart? Accept a disposable one? If you find yourself in this position often, what system could you put in place to try to create a successful habit of not using plastic bags?
I have a TRUNK FULL of reusable bags, and seem to be addicted to buying new ones if I like the design... it's kind of a problem - lol. However, despite the number of these bags that I own, I always seem to forget them in the car. However, since I know they are in the car, I think it would be better to just load everything back in the cart and put it in the bags when I get there. (thanks Rebecca for the idea). Unless of course it's just a couple things... then I could just carry it by hand. Now, if it's super nasty weather... I may have to resort to disposable bags, and just reuse them or take them back to a store that recycles them.
I used to be TERRIBLE at bringing my bags in, but my sister found research stating that the reusable bags, if unused, can be damaging in their own way with the resources taken to create them and if they are thrown out. That really motivated me more to use what I have on hand, although I still pick up more if, like you, I really like the design. :)
I really want to volunteer with one of the non-profits that picks up trash from the ocean and turns it into other things one day. We need to take care of this earth and every organism in our ecosystems if we want a better future!
An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Does this surprise you? Where would you rather use this money?
This is a horrific thought! That's a LOT of food that could've gone to others that may need it... I am HORRIBLE about meal planning, this is something that I need to (And am trying to) work on. Oh that money... could definitely go to paying off credit cards...
Changing lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! In what other ways can you exercise your civic duty to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions?
Do you follow the polar bear challenge we were doing at the Zoo? Turn the lights off if you're leaving for more than 5 min?
My bedroom light went out this morning and plan to install LED lights. I also want to buy instead of rent next year and will be looking for a NEST thermostat or solar options so that I can help with energy.
I hardly ever even have the lights on at home. and I'm going to be installing Alexa light bulbs on most of the lighting soon, that way, I can't even use the lazy excuse for not turning off the lights... I can just tell Alexa to do it. Ameren has a program that, if you qualify, they will send you a smart thermostat for free... https://amerenillinoissmartsavers.com/ (oh... that's for Illinois - maybe MO has one too)
What do you do if you find yourself in the situation of needing a bag for items but don't have a reusable one with you? Carry things out in your hands? In a cart? Accept a disposable one? If you find yourself in this position often, what system could you put in place to try to create a successful habit of not using plastic bags?
My trunk is literally FULL of reusable bags... and I'm ALWAYS buying new ones (I may have a small problem.) But, I find myself forgetting them a lot more than I'd like to admit. And for whatever reason, i never thought to just load back into the cart till I got to the car. Thanks for the new idea!
An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Does this surprise you? Where would you rather use this money?
That is a rough statistic, and I'll admit I've been guilty of it. I'm a big fan of meal planning, but am not always best about the prepping. One of my goals for March is to not throw out any produce, to utilize everything before it goes bad.
I would use $1500 (probably more like $375 since I am a family of 1) to pay down debt or put towards a trip.
