I created a list so I can reference these in the future, but I found a couple of places to recycle styrofoam and other soft plastics, electronics, tires, batteries, outdoor equipment, and oils. There are a bunch of other items, but I've been curbing my use of single use plastics over the last couple of years, so I've completely eliminated the need to find recycling for certain items.

I had a great time canning / pickling this year, and I even got ahold of some of the last strawberries of the season courtesy of some berry farmers (Unger Farms) who have "all season" strawberries that allow for them this late in the year! I've canned before, but this challenge motivated me to do it this fall despite not having a terribly large amount of free time. I also tried a couple new cheese recipes and made mozarella! I'd only done yogurt and ricotta in the past, and it really makes you appreciate cheese when you go through the hours long processes to make it in your own kitchen!

This challenge was really neat because I committed to going to the farmers market 4 weeks in a row to see the same farmer and purchase whatever produce was exactly in season that week. It was so interesting to talk with him about the various varieties of potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes, squash, etc that he chose to grow. Farmer's markets can be expensive, but he sells his produce at such great prices and does so to make fresh, whole foods available to those who otherwise would not be able to afford them -- and isn't that what it's all about?

It's incredible to think of every little step that goes into a day that consumes energy. Doing the energy audit made me think a lot more about the little things that really add up over time -- and I'm glad to see that some of the small changes I've made even if that's just replacing bulbs with LEDs, keeping certain appliances unplugged, or foregoing heat/AC can really make a huge difference.

Personally, I have seen a lot of health benefits from adding more fruits and veggies and reducing the amount of meat I consume! I found that it has helped my gut health tremendously, allowing me to feel less bloated and more healthy throughout the week! 

I actually do my laundry at the local laundromat in order to cut down on my footprint -- they're shared machines that are repaired rather than replaced, made to commercial grade (which means better materials that withstand more wear), they're more efficient in terms of energy and water use, and because it is easier to see the cost with each load, it encourages me to reduce the amount of laundry that I do/the number of loads that I will do. I don't necessarily save money as I do not have the capability to have a washing machine in my home, but I suppose I do because my apartment rent is less without that in-unit washer add on. I hope that I can use that money to save up and buy a long-lasting pair of USA made jeans that I can own my whole life. They're more expensive, but I'm able to save that up over time.

I think that it is too easy for people to dismiss those around them when there are much more interesting things occupying their time (like television, work, other life stresses), but it turns out that we generally do agree on making life a better experience. By communicating with each other, we can better understand how to construct a collaborative solution that is inclusive and can be championed by a greater number of stakeholders. A solution designed by a single person, or a single type of person, is not going to be one that will be upheld or relate to the majority of people. I have used October as an opportunity to reach out to neighbors in the same apartment building who would otherwise be strangers, connect with regulars at the dog park who I see often and have never spoken to, and connecting with people I've frequented for years but never really gotten to know (like my hair lady & doctor). It has made this month feel a lot more "human" and helps other people see the same--that we're all getting through this experience together and that no one truly intends to hurt someone else with their actions. When we communicate and share our values, we're able to expose certain biases of our own and address them in a way that isn't defensive. I've been working to build my community for years realizing I had never been able to practice that in my neighborhood growing up. I endeavor to be a good neighbor so that others know what that looks like and have the resource should they need it. It builds respect, and whenever I talk about why I compost, recycle diligently, or don't get food delivered, etc, they understand why I would choose that, and I dare say it has pushed them to make their own impactful & intentional choices which together make a huge difference.

I like this challenge because I love to sleep in, but sometimes can't so it makes me go to bed earlier. I think it makes me focus and be more productive during the day if I know I have a sleep schedule that I need to stick to. I recently started a new job and have had to wake up several hours earlier. As I adjust to the new schedule, my body is not used to changes but I'm sure it'll make the rest of my day more productive to be waking up sooner.