Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2

My SMART goal was to not buy any paper toweling and instead cut up old t-shirts, or find rags to use for cleaning, or other around the house chores, and to cut down the amount of toilet paper I use while using the restroom. I did start to obtain my goal. I took all of the paper toweling we had in the house and hid it in the closet, and took old shirts and turned them into rags. I have been using those to dry the dishes, and clean up spills around the house. I also have become more aware of the amount of toilet paper I am using. I have started to count the number of squares. I always am aware of this now when using the restroom. I have found that I use to use way more then was actually necessary (I won't get into too much deal with that though). I did have success with the the reusable wash cloth idea, and didn't find any challenges with that, it was actually pretty easy to do! I was better most of the time with reducing the amount of toilet paper I used, but it was challenging to think about it everytime. I found that by having this goal that it helps me be more cautious of my actions, and actually think of other things I can do on a daily basis to help change some of my bad habits. I actually wrote on my hand "toilet paper" so everything I go to use the bathroom, and reach for toilet paper I see it, so that will help me remember to only use what is necessary. I found it rewarding to actually know that I am helping out our earth, even though it is minor I figure that every little thing I can do helps! This week I learned that I can't just change overnight, but if I really want to put in the effort then I will be able to change a lot of my habits. My plan for next week is to count the number of squares I use everytime I go to the bathroom for a starting point, and then with the following weeks to try and reduce that number everytime. I will continue with my goal as it is, and just try to be more accurate everytime I am in the bathroom. I am excited to see my results! I have started a tally mark for everytime I use the bathroom and the number of sheets I use each time. My total for this past week's average was; Bathroom Use: 5 times daily, Sheets of toilet paper: 8 times per use. I think this is ok for the first calculations, but I want to cut down the number by each week.

Eco-Footprint-Eye Opener

After taking the test on how much of the earth I really do use I was not too surprised by my results. At the beginning of the summer I spent two weeks in Australia, and was literally "roughing" it compared to my normal lifestyle. This was easily the best experience for me, helping me change my behaviors that I still continue to do today. We did not have any running water, and would use "drop dunnies" to go to the bathroom, and everything we ate we picked from the garden. After living this way I really learned to be grateful for all that I do have. Today, I walk or ride my bike and rarely use my car, unless it is necessary. I also compost the food I cook, and reuse any and everything I can. I take short showers, and in the winter stock up on blankets and sweats. I think if I hadn't went to Australia and actually lived like this my habits would not of changed as much. I am so grateful that I did get to go, and now I live more "green" and help the people around me change their habits as well! I still do think it is crazy though how much we really do waste without evening knowing it. I believe if we all spent a little more time thinking of our actions we could all make a huge impact on the earth and its resources.