Live Greener Challenge

Food Whole Foods Diet

Michael Pollan states that "it is better to pay the grocer (our edit: or the farmer!) than the doctor." What are your thoughts on this?

Cindy Lane 4/23/2019 2:45 PM

Definitely - I couldn't agree more. I would much rather pay a little extra at the farmer's market to obtain healthier food options than to not eat healthy and suffer health problems. Not only are health problems costly physically, but financially they can be crushing. The number of Americans living with a chronic health condition is around 40% and many of these conditions are food-related, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Food Choose Organic Ingredients

Can organic farming feed the world? Which side of the argument do you fall on? Why?

Cindy Lane 4/23/2019 2:41 PM

Organic farming typically results in lower crop yields and requires nitrogen-rich soil. With the issues facing our climate due to global warming, I'm not convinced 100% organic farming can feed the world, however, I do feel it is a step in the right direction to providing healthier food options.

Food Reduce Animal Products

What do you think contributes to people in North America eating more meat than in other places, and what does this say about North American values and ways of living? How do we start shifting a meat-focused food culture?

Cindy Lane 4/23/2019 2:39 PM

I think people in North America eat more meat than other places because it's often more affordable for these individuals. Many holiday traditions are centered around meat and these traditions are handed down generation to generation. Another factor are the marketing campaigns put forth by the meat industry encouraging people to eat beef, chicken, or pork.

Cindy Lane 4/23/2019 2:35 PM

I joined the challenge because I wanted to learn more about how I can live a greener and more ec0-friendly life.

Food Meet My Local Farmers

When you know who produces your food, you are connecting personally to your complex regional food system. What are the advantages of knowing who produces your food and where it comes from? Do you think this might enable someone to advocate for a better quality of life for those who produce their food, both near and far?

Cindy Lane 4/17/2019 12:44 PM

It's extremely important to understand where our food comes from. One of the biggest concerns a society should have is what is happening to their food and water supply. I definitely feel this information would add to one's quality of life.

Waste Reduce Single-Use Disposables

Bringing your own bags and containers to the grocery store, and even to restaurants for leftovers, are a couple of ways to reduce your waste. What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) do you regularly use? What could be substituted instead?

Cindy Lane 4/17/2019 12:38 PM

I try not to utilize single-use items, and if I do, I try to use them more than once. I have been taking my own bags to the store for over a year and no longer feel guilty for throwing the plastic bags away.

Water Eco-friendly Gardening

What are the most prominent water concerns in your area? Examples include drought, flooding, pollution, access, security, and privatization.

Cindy Lane 4/17/2019 12:37 PM

I am new to Western Oregon and while there is a large amount of rain between fall and early summer, there are several months which tend to be dry. Having moved from an area that has been in a moderate to severe drought for decades, I have personally seen the effect drought has on an area. I would like to see changes in the way we consume and waste water. Grey-water utilization must be considered wherever possible.

Waste Personal Waste Audit

Why is it so difficult to understand the impacts our purchases and waste have on other people, animals, and places? How might your experience with this challenge impact your future consumption and choices?

Cindy Lane 4/17/2019 12:34 PM

Personally, I think it's hard to imagine that one person can make a difference by changing our habits and making better choices. I am one person out of 7 billion+, but if every person changed their habits and made better choices, the impact would be monumental.

Food Weekly Meal Planning

An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. Does this surprise you? Where would you rather use this money?

Cindy Lane 4/12/2019 11:06 AM

It's so easy to get into the habit of planning meals ahead of time and it's healthier. We will be saving money, which will go towards vacations.

Food Plant an Herb Garden

Consider the ways you can garden: a plot of land? a patio container? hanging basket? windowsill gardens? What would work best for your living situation and lifestyle?

Cindy Lane 4/12/2019 11:05 AM

We have planted a herb garden with basil, mint, thyme, and oregano in containers on our patio.

Cindy Lane

Points Total

Participant Impact

Challenges

Waste

Reduce Single-Use Disposables

Food

Whole Foods Diet

Food

Choose Organic Ingredients

Waste

Find Local Recycling Depots

Food

Meet My Local Farmers

Food

Reduce Animal Products

Water

Eco-friendly Gardening

Waste

Personal Waste Audit

Food

Plant an Herb Garden

Food

Weekly Meal Planning

Water

Brush My Teeth Without Running Water

Feed