Today I purchased 2 Hydroflasks as Christmas gifts, for family members who are well behind in the world of sustainability. Also completed the Sustainability Audit at my workplace this week, with great results and of course room for improvement!

Today I worked on my composting technique; collecting kitchen scraps, making a mini compost bin, as I have no other space outside to use. I also did some extra credit on composting and gardening and learned a lot about sustainability and using compost and its benefits.

Bennett

The last few weeks I've been focusing on planning all of my meals, hence eliminating waste. Also trying to incorporate more plant-based food items into my diet. Today I was unfortunately not able to bike to work since it was pouring rain.

this is the trash I collected yesterday while walking through my neighborhood and passed my local golf course. My husband, my dog and I walked for about 2.5-3 miles to complete our clean up assignment. It was sad to see how many plastic alcohol bottles, cans, wrappers, cigarettes, and plastic waste were on the sides of the road and near the course. We found quite a few golf tees too. 

I am currently going through a kitchen remodel so I have found it a bit difficult to stay on track with my food waste, and water recycling. I have bought quick foods like salads and chicken precooked so I can have healthy meals. I am doing my best to be sustainable and responsible with my groceries and eating out. I have been eating a lot at a local market up in Ramona where I live. They are better than whole foods in my opinion. 

Made a meatless dinner last night!

preventing recycling contamination I learned to empty and wash out containers, never place grease in disposal, plastic bags do not belong in recycling bins interestingly I did not know this, and never to dispose of batteries in a any type of recycle bin. Some of the most common contaminants are leftovers, disposable coffee cups which I had always placed in a recycle bin before. Plastic bags are the worst as they jam the recycle machinery as does shredded paper which I did no know. Using less plastic bags is preferred.

Today I recycled 15.3 LB of Aluminum, 149.1 LB of Glass, and 78.4 LB of Plastic.  Down at the San Diego Buy Back Center.

Today the best thing I did for my eco challenge was being outside most of my day. My kitchen is being completely remodeled right now and today was they day my kitchen was completely out of order. I was able to prep a few meals for my husband and I. I worked on schoolwork outside so used no electricity. I ate my leftovers cold because I didn’t have access to my stove or microwave. My thermostat has been unplugged for 5 days now so I am not using heater or ac at this time either.