NJDEP - The Grass is Greener at Green Acres

We have made efforts to reduce our footprint for many years, and continually look for ways to improve our habits and uses. I wish I had better luck in participating in this challenge, but we will continue to find ways to manage our daily lives to lessen our impact. We have looked back at some practices from the preceding generations - washing...

My dog is a great protector; he also helps me utilized appropriate veggie and other food leftovers. We use clean hair in collections cages for birds to use for nests. We utilized fully compostable bags for waste on our walks. He does not run loose and therefore does not disturb wildlife or damage sensitive vegitation. We make our best efforts...

I am finding this challenge difficult to participate . . . but I am not the most computer savvy. In any events, I will contintue to try to share what I do, and learn about more of what I can do to lessen my impact on the planet!

Reflection Question - How does hosting a watch party help you to get to know your guests, connect them to the cause you are focusing on, and build your community? We watched a movie at the aquarium that focused on litter and climate impacts to Pacific islands - I watched with my kids and husband and I think that it helped them understand the...

Reflection Question - What did you learn by making your own cleaning products? What is the biggest difference in making vs buying? Some worked better than others, but it allowed me to reuse some things (like lemon peels) that I would have otherwise thrown out!

Reflection Question - How might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community? Overburdened communities face a higher percentage of litter than other communities, and many cities in our region have older CSO infrastructure that leads to litter from the streets going into gutters and being released...

Reflection Question - Since the restrictions that COVID-19 has required of our society, trying to use your own cup might present new barriers, as well as new opportunities for creative problem solving. How were you able to achieve success on this action? How can you make it a long-term habit? I make a big pot of coffee every morning and use...

Reflection Question - How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community? It allows me to give something back to the community and make it more beautiful and welcoming, while also reducing the litter that goes back into our environment.

Reflection Question - How can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables? We have a variety of glass food storage containers along with zippered cloth snack bags and silicone reusable bags - I use these for almost everything that would usually require a disposable plastic bag.

Reflection Question - As you have reduced your spending, what have you noticed about your 'health and safety' purchasing habits? How might this change your longer term purchasing decisions? I've been more mindful about what I'm purchasing, which has both saved money but also helped reduce waste.