Garrett Mitchell
3/31/2021 6:13 PM
I could make sure I keep my lights off when not in use.
RIT Sustainable Living Class - Spring 2021 Feed
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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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONEnergy Choose LED BulbsSwitching out your 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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste RESEARCH LOCAL WASTE SITESIn what neighborhoods or areas of your region are landfills or other waste sites located? Which communities are most affected by these locations?
Garrett Mitchell 3/31/2021 6:00 PMI located a large landfill in Rome NY that has massive pipes to release the gas the waste makes. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Use a Reusable Water BottleWhile water bottles are needed for health and safety in certain places, we can do more to reduce the unnecessary use of them. What are the barriers to you using reusable bottles and tap water instead of bottled water? How could you make this a permanent habit?
Garrett Mitchell 3/31/2021 5:59 PMI made this a permanent habit and feel it has had the greatest impact on sustainability for me. overall, Im keeping 1800 water bottles a year from entering oceans and landfills. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Use a Reusable MugMaybe you've heard how good it is to switch from a single use coffee cup to a reusable one, but it's just hard to make the switch. What stands in your way of making this a habit? By identifying the challenges, you can begin to work through them to have better success in taking this action. Knowing the difference you are making, how does it make you feel?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Use Reusable BagsWhat 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 or aren't allowed to use the one you brought? 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?
Garrett Mitchell 3/31/2021 5:56 PMI keep bags in my trunk of car to ensure i do not need to buy more from the store this helps keep the environment clean and allows for a more sustainable living -
REFLECTION QUESTIONWaste Go PaperlessReducing your paper mail can reduce mental clutter as well as physical waste -- by reducing what is coming in, you can reduce what is going into the recycling bin too. How does it make you feel? What is the next step you will take to reduce your waste?
Garrett Mitchell 3/31/2021 5:55 PMGoing paperless feels good because I know im helping the environment. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicity MeditateWhat would you like to invest more time in reflecting on?
Shelby Roberts 3/31/2021 4:43 AMI would like to spend more time reflecting on how I can be more effective and productive with my time so I do not suffer from burnout as bad with work and especially with my classes. I would also like to reflect more on how I can do more recycling while I'm home. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicity Buy Used ClothesDo people with economic privilege have a responsibility to consume and own less? How can the concept of "reduce" be presented to those who may be struggling to have enough food, clothes, shelter?
Shelby Roberts 3/30/2021 6:28 AMFor people with economic privilege, it is important to not partake in the consumerism influenced by social media that we often see today with fast fashion or overindulgence because its horrible for the world we live in for so many reasons. For people with less income, its more difficult because they have less options, but I would start with looking for food that comes in easily recyclable containers or no packaging, but we need to be understanding that not everyone has privilege to do these things when they are just trying to get by. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicity Disconnect from EmailNotice how much time you were spending checking email away from work and make note of that. Now that you have stepped away from it and have not been checking, what changes are you noticing in your thoughts, use of time, stress and energy levels?
Shelby Roberts 3/30/2021 4:33 AMI find myself more stressed when I cant check these things to make sure all is well, but I know that I should not stress when there is nothing I can do in the moment to fix any of these things. My energy levels were low because I had to work 10 hours shifts lol. I think my use of time was worse because when I would usually check my emails on my breaks I found myself filling the void with social media. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONSimplicity Needs Vs. WantsHow is creativity a necessary ingredient for practicing simplicity?
Shelby Roberts 3/30/2021 4:29 AMOften times it is hard to find the joy in simplicity when it feels as if though you are bored or tired of everyday life and the chores that come with it. It helps if you find things that you can enjoy for free or that are beneficial for your mental health or physical health as opposed to impulsive buys or doing things that will add clutter to your life, so you have to be creative to find helpful and insightful hobbies to add to your life.