Skip to main content

DeSantis Landscapes Feed

BACK TO TEAM PAGE

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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    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's avatar
    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.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food Choose Organic Ingredients
    Can organic farming feed the world? Which side of the argument do you fall on? Why?

    Cindy Lane's avatar
    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.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    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's avatar
    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's avatar
    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.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water Collect Rain Water
    Trace the water that flows down the drain from your house to the largest body of water nearby. What is the route it takes?

    Joey Harrison's avatar
    Joey Harrison 4/23/2019 8:52 AM
    The Willamette River near Oak Grove, OR. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water Ditch the Lawn
    What is the main water source in your region?

    Joey Harrison's avatar
    Joey Harrison 4/21/2019 2:57 PM
    Rain is the major source of water along with natural springs and snow melt. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Water Conserve Toilet Water
    What would a sustainable water future in your region look like? What needs to change?

    Joey Harrison's avatar
    Joey Harrison 4/18/2019 10:12 AM
    Commercial and residential properties need to change irrigation systems to Weathermatic Smartlink weather based systems to save 20%-50% in wasted water. 70% of water used at commercial properties is for landscape irrigation so the impact of utilizing updated technology will save millions of gallons in wasted water in Portland alone. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Waste Use Reusable Bags
    What do you do if you find yourself in the situation of needing a bag for items but don't have a reuseable one with you? 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 establish this a successful habit?

    Joey Harrison's avatar
    Joey Harrison 4/18/2019 10:08 AM
    I have collapsible organizer bins in my car that I use if I don't have reusable bags.  
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    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's avatar
    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.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    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's avatar
    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.