Nudge Challenge Week 59 = Love the Planet
NUDGED: "Be environmentally friendly"
BACKSTORY: I care about the environment, but sometimes my actions don't match my beliefs. I use plastic baggies for single use regularly, and take (then throw away) too many napkins from restaurants. I use paper towels way more often than cloth towels. I realized there is a lot of room for improvement in my lifestyle, and wanted to see what would happen if I made some changes. Could small changes in one week add up to something significant? What are other ways that I can do my part for the environment?
QUOTE:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: Since I'm feeling listy....
I made many small adjustments over the course of a week, including:
Cons I noticed: it was an inconvenience at times (took more time to pack lunches and wash containers) and I didn't feel like I was making a big difference.
LESSONS LEARNED: Does it help in the grand scheme of things? I don't know. My one straw saved at a restaurant is probably negated by big restaurants giving straws with every drink (many thousands a day). But, for my conscience, knowing that I did the right thing to help the environment is rewarding. I feel the same way about adopting pets from animal shelters - I can't save every dog but I can impact the life of one. I don't want to overlook the small things that are in my control because I feel overwhelmed by the big picture. This week, I resolved to continue to do my part and know it is worth it.
NEXT UP: The new nudge selected this morning is "Say 'yes' to something new". Hmmm...... We'll have to see what happens!!
BACKSTORY: I care about the environment, but sometimes my actions don't match my beliefs. I use plastic baggies for single use regularly, and take (then throw away) too many napkins from restaurants. I use paper towels way more often than cloth towels. I realized there is a lot of room for improvement in my lifestyle, and wanted to see what would happen if I made some changes. Could small changes in one week add up to something significant? What are other ways that I can do my part for the environment?
QUOTE:
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: Since I'm feeling listy....
I made many small adjustments over the course of a week, including:
- not using a straw at a restaurant
- took my lunch to work every day instead of driving home
- used containers for bringing food and snacks to work instead of single-use plastic baggies
- brought my own bowls and silverware to avoid plastic ones
- drank water from reusable bottle instead of plastic bottles
- saved gas by not driving home for lunch
- didn't use excess napkins at a food place
- used a towel to clean up a spill instead of a paper towel
- carpooled when I had the opportunity (twice this week)
- recycled two empty toilet paper rolls instead of throwing them into the garbage
- turn off lights when I am not in the room
- eat leftovers and food before it goes bad to avoid throwing it away
- stack my errands and do them at one time to use gas efficiently
- go paperless - receive statements and bills via email
- minimize buying and eating pre-packaged food
- re-purpose items instead of replacing them
Cons I noticed: it was an inconvenience at times (took more time to pack lunches and wash containers) and I didn't feel like I was making a big difference.
LESSONS LEARNED: Does it help in the grand scheme of things? I don't know. My one straw saved at a restaurant is probably negated by big restaurants giving straws with every drink (many thousands a day). But, for my conscience, knowing that I did the right thing to help the environment is rewarding. I feel the same way about adopting pets from animal shelters - I can't save every dog but I can impact the life of one. I don't want to overlook the small things that are in my control because I feel overwhelmed by the big picture. This week, I resolved to continue to do my part and know it is worth it.
NEXT UP: The new nudge selected this morning is "Say 'yes' to something new". Hmmm...... We'll have to see what happens!!
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