Week One...

For my lifestyle project I choose garbage, electricity, and water for my three categories. First off i would like to mention that this project has been a huge success for me just because I am so much more aware of everything I am doing. I never really stopped to think about the path I leave behind every day. In such a competitive world everything tends to be about whats the easiest, quickest, and most time efficient. In college I have found I have a lot more time to myself, and thus more time to slow down and think a little. In my three categories it has been relatively easy to reduce my output on all three levels. As far as water consumption goes I have found it relatively easy to shower once a day instead of twice or three times(this has been made easier by the ending of the soccer season). I really don't use the sink that much but to rinse my hands once or twice and I have started reusing a plastic bottle to refill out of the water fountain when I get thirsty. Electricity has also been simple and also my favorite part of the project just because I enjoy finding things to turn off...im pretty easily entertained. I have started by only using one of the two AC units in the room and turning the power bar off that controls the computers, copy machine, and microwave when I dont need them. I try to leave the room lights off and instead use my 40 watt lamp when I really need more light, but other than that I have rediscovered the geniousness of blinds that open as well as close. The last category of garbage is the most challenging one for me. I have had trouble remembering to produce less garbage and really it is all about planning, for instince had a remembered that I didnt want to make trash I wouldnt have used the 2 napkins at dinner or bought meals from taco bell, which come with an assortment of plastic and paper trash. I think it will be easy to find a solution to the problems I have faced in the comming weeks as it would be best for my health and for the environment that I dont have a late night 4th meal at taco bell. Also mentioning other things I have not driven but to taco bell and have not purchased any industrial products.