Melissa Allegretti

We use natural gas in my home. Since I have a large family, it is more difficult to make sure everyone is being proactive to conserve energy. I will aim to be more sustainable when using the heating system for this winter. By using less energy, my household reduces its carbon footprint which ultimately lowers emissions being released into the atmosphere. When less emissions are being released, especially on a large scale, the environment and its inhabitants will not suffer from climate change. 

This has always been an issue of mine, this October for Sustainability month I want to really try and get into the habit of taking faster showers. Or by turning off the water when I shampoo, condition, etc. and back on only to rinse. This will help cut my water time by more than half.

I tend to lose a bit of motivation to eat completely clean during the semester, especially when things get a little stressful. Like today, I am hoping that by adding this challenge to my daily goal I can start to slowly choose fruits/veggies to accomplish the additional 2 servings I need. By choosing healthy options over junk food it not only helps me feel better, but it doesn't support the companies that produce pollutants for an unhealthy mass production of cheap food alternatives.

Being outside helps clear my mind and boost my mood overall. With a busy schedule I always feel that I don't have enough time to get fresh air, even when it's only for short time. The challenge helps give me that extra push to do something nice for myself. Once I get back from the walk, I can think more clearly and it really helps when doing homework.

I personally enjoy putting down my phone and not worrying about emails, social media, or calls. Instead I decided to learn a new language. I grabbed a language book and studied some vocabulary.