Lifestyle Project Week 1

The three categories I chose for my Lifestyle Project was heat, electricity and water, and to eat efficiently. Oddly enough, I’d say the biggest challenge I faced was in the heating category.
Typically, the heat setting in my room is usually set at 73 degrees. I tend to be a very cold natured person. My parents often credit it to the fact that I was born prematurely. They said that for the first 24 hours that I was alive, the nurses in the hospital had to microwave blankets every thirty minutes to keep me at a normal temperature. I know that seems like a random fact, but I believe I have been cold natured since birth. With that being said, lowering the temperature was a challenge. It is hard to believe that something so simple as lowering one’s thermostat by three degrees can make such a huge difference, but it made a huge difference because I did not really have any restful nights as a result of the temperature change. In other words, I was pretty uncomfortable at night. My suitemates were also uncomfortable by the temperature change, but we all agreed it would only “strengthen our characters” to keep pressing forward. I am actually dreading the prospect of lowering the temperature this week because of how uncomfortable I already feel, but I think it will be worth it in the end to see how serious I am about incorporating sustainable practices into my life.
I would estimate that my average shower is about 15 minutes. My dad often jokes that my shower are about “10 minutes too long,” and I suppose he has a rather legit point. The first time that I attempted to cut my shower time in half was difficult. My shower length, when it was all said and done, was about 8.5 minutes. Though I acknowledge that is still a rather lengthy shower, I think it is important to note that I really really tried to cut down on my time. I even cut my leg with my razor in my pursuit to be time efficient! However, I decided that I would find a way to cut down significantly on my time for my second shower of the week. This time I was extremely pleased with my result. I took a 6 minute shower, which is amazing if you knew me. Anyway, I also found other ways to conserve electricity during the week as well. Instead of relying on lights as much as I tend to do, I decided to open up my windows and move my desk to the window so that I could use sunlight as a source of light. This was easy for me. Also, instead of using the dryer, I let my clothes dry naturally. I actually didn’t find that to be too much of a challenge either. Basically, I’d say that my water consumption and electrical use was pretty good for the two days that I did it. However, I am sure as time goes by, it will be more difficult when I have to perform these practices more than twice a week.
I fear that eating efficiently will be one of my biggest challenges. I love meat so much. Sorry, but I just do! Anyway, the first day that I ate like a vegetarian was interesting because I honestly forced myself to not take notice of the meat. I literally had to convince myself that a salad and an apple were the only foods offered in order to “enjoy” the meal. I am not saying that I do not eat vegetables or fruit because I do, but I tend to eat meat too. I also have incorporated a lot more grain into my diet, which hasn’t been that bad of a change. I guess I don’t feel like I have too much to say about the food aspect of my project because it is going well right now. I am sure next week will be a different story though!