I wasn't surprised by a lot of it because I drive around a lot, don't carpool much, eat meat a lot, etc. However, I was surprised by how many earths we would need if everyone lived like me. I knew it wouldn't be great, but I didn't think it would be this bad- I think I was at like 7 earths? However, even gradual, small actions can add up to reduce this number. The best way to reduce my footprint will be to take actions one at a time, starting with something simple like eating 1-2 meatless meals a week.

If you're making something to print, avoid using fully colored shapes! It sounds really simple, but one of the documents I regularly copy has large, colored blocks on it, so even before the ecochallenge I put my printer on draft every time I copied it. Unfortunately, I did not make it myself so it's not an easy fix, but once I get a chance I'll remake it myself with only outlines.

This month we repaired some of my dog's stuffed toys. He doesn't destroy them on purpose, but he's a pretty big dog and can play rough, so we needed to stitch up some of his favorites. It might not last forever because some of the fabric was a little frayed but keeping the toys out of the landfill for even a few months is a start, especially because most of them use synthetic fabrics and stuffing.

I do this for my pet, not a child. The main thing my dog does differently is that a lot of the recycled toys we use are things for him to destroy, while he is not a destroyer with his other stuffies or bones (other than normal wear and tear). Although this limits the use of the toys, giving garbage like paper towel rolls one more use before they go to the landfill while giving my dog a fun activity is a win-win.

Pollinators! Most vegetables need their flowers to be pollinated by bees in order to produce fruit, so a veggie garden can attract pollinators to your yard the same as flowers would. Also, some herbs are host plants for butterflies- for example black swallowtails host on fennel, dill, and parsley- so if you're willing to share, you can also help insects that way.

Sometimes reducing plastic waste feels really hopeless, considering the fact that even if we were perfect- and we can't be- most waste comes from corporations anyways, not consumers like us. However, realizing that every little action can make a difference makes the issue less "paralyzing" and more manageable. Who knows, maybe one of the 68 plastic bottles I kept from the landfill would have killed a turtle or something had I used it instead of my metal one. Regardless, realizing that every step counts- regardless of if it's a perfect step or not- has allowed me to progress more in my plastic-free journey.

The environmental benefits were most influential for me, and since switching to a bidet, I’ve felt cleaner and more eco-conscious.

I’m a folder as I like feeling organized

Learning that “flushable” wipes harm our waterways and release microplastics is disheartening and alarming because it may be healthy and convenient for some. I want to raise awareness in our community and advocate for the use of eco-friendly alternatives that genuinely decompose and protect our environment.