week one...

This project is a little more challenging than I expected, but I have really enjoyed the challenge. I have had a few difficulties but I was also surprised at how easy it is to make a few adjustments in my life to make the way a live a bit more sustainable.

I chose Waste, Energy/Water, and Heat for my three categories. The first day went alright. Reducing my energy and water use hasn't been too difficult. I did realize that I tend to leave lights on when I don't really need them (like I'll leave my bedroom light on while I'm in the bathroom). I have tried to get myself into the habit of only turning on a light when I absolutely need one. I have gotten used to opening my blinds during the day and studying by the window instead of turning on the lights. I have also managed to decrease my shower time from 10 minutes to 4 minutes which I think is pretty good.

Because we are in Texas and it still isn't cold...we have yet to turn the heat on in our apartment. So instead, I have been turning the air conditioning up 3 degrees (making in warmer in my room). This hasn't been too difficult because I have been opening all of the windows in my apartment and the coolness outside is just enough to keep my apartment at a good temperature.

I think producing no waste is the hardest part for me, especially because my roommate and I have a bucket of Halloween candy sitting in our living room. On my first waste-free day...lets just say I had a difficult time resisting the skittles...but I did it. I did not realize how many things that I throw away in a day. I also forgot to bring a cloth napkin to the Commons so I had to eat without one. I started using a compost bin in my apartment which has helped me cut down on a lot of food waste. I was a bit disappointed on my second waste-free day because a group of my friends decided to go eat at Chili's. I went along and I usually try to bring Tupperware whenever I go to a restaurant so I don't waste food or have to use a Styrofoam to-go box. However, I forgot my Tupperware and the salad that I did not finish went to waste. I was really disappointed in myself but it just made me want to try harder during week 2. I'm pretty excited to see how this week turns out.