Previous Week:
My SMART goal is to use reusable containers including a water bottle and Tupperware every day.
This week I discovered that although I reduced my usage of plastic bags for lunch I am still using plastic bags at the store while shopping. I felt frustrated that I wasn't doing as much as a could in my plastic bag reduction goal. After this realization I joined the trend of reusable grocery bags. I bought a bag from Whole Foods Co-op and keep it in my car for shopping. I feel much better now that I reduced my Eco Footprint even more!
This week I learned that although we may feel we are doing a great job at being Eco Friendly, there may be additional areas we can focus on. Simply taking a step back from your hectic life can reveal several improvements that can be worked on, both environmentally and in other areas.
I will continue using my reusable products even after this process is over! Easy changes can be made to make a big impact. Once I started to make changes I wanted to expand and continue making changes.
Entire process:
My SMART goal is to use reusable containers including a water bottle and Tupperware every day. Overall, I was successful in achieving my goal! I implemented Tupperware into my daily routine and use a reusable water bottle regularly. This goal expanded over time as I became more conscious of my environment and waste products. I recently purchased reusable grocery bags which were cheap and will be perfect for grocery shopping instead of plastic shopping bags.
I was successful because I was prepared and ready to change in the beginning of the project. Trying to help, my family actually created an obstacle during this project. I learned from them that is is important to inform family and friends of your goals so they can assist you if needed instead of hinder. Simply by informing them they facilitated a change in their lives as well so it was a positive experience for everyone.
From this project I learned that it is easy to make small changes that make a big impact. Once I opened my eyes and realized the wasteful things I was doing it was easy to make small alterations that are better for the environment. I personally realized that I form habits and it is hard to break them without consciously thinking about the goals I am trying to accomplish. I feel many individuals don't take the time to realize the impact on the environment that they are making. Also, I don't think many people realize how easy it is to change small habits to be more environmentally friendly. Once this realization has occurred I think there are several small changes society would be willing to make to help our current environmental crisis.
My behavior change impacted the environment which is exciting and the main goal of this project. Plastic is made from petroleum which is damaging to the environment during extraction. Plastic bags are a major part of waste that is cluttering our landfills. Plastic bags also fly into our lakes and oceans harming the marine animals. (Earth Resource Foundation) My family and friends also benefited from this project because they learned the negative impacts of plastic products and also saw how easy it is to change simply from being around me while I was achieving my SMART goal.
I will definitely continue this behavior change because it is easy to do. Plastic bags and plastic bottles have such a negative impact on the environment and this impact must be reduced. I already have the tools needed to continue my behavior change so there isn’t a reason I shouldn’t continue.
In the future, I recommend to anyone making a behavior change to have your resources ready from the beginning. If you are not ready to succeed from the beginning, you will probably fail. Also, you need to remember that changing a habit takes time so it is important to be determined and patient! Include supportive family and friends in your goal to make success easier. This may even increase the positive impact you are making on the environment! Good luck in achieving your goals!
Alyssa!
ReplyDeleteJob well done! I took a brief moment to sit back and think of all of the plastic bags, water bottles, and other plastic products over the last couple of weeks and it's amazing to think of how much you saved by some minor changes. I'm really proud of you for trying this out and you should feel proud of yourself.
Check this link out. This man has a similar idea to your efforts!
http://www.therightperspective.org/2011/09/08/la-may-ban-paper-and-plastic/
A lot of companies are giving away free reusable grocery bags as advertisement. Keep your eyes peeled so you can pick up one or two for those days that you have a lot of groceries.
Well my dear, you've saved a considerable amount of waste, so keep it u.p, and go beyond when you can
Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteI was really enjoying hearing your story. Congratulations on your success, your challenges and your epiphanies.
I think you make a really important statement about habits. In my experience, it's not the change itself so much that is hard, most things can be accomplished in easy, "baby" steps. What is hard for me is realizing there's a problem and accepting the need to change. It was really cool to see how you began noticing things you wanted to change and improve each week and reading how you found those solutions easier than expected. It was also great to see how you used your challenges to a positive effect. You should be proud of yourself, and your family. Thanks for sharing.
PS. I love those re-usable bags! I find myself buying them as souvenirs when I happen to travel, and as practical items. Back in the day before "plastic bags" a lot of stores handed out those nice paper bags with handles and I'd reuse those to death. Not only do I hate plastic bags because they are wasteful and bad for the environment, but I genuinely think that paper and reusable bags are much easier to carry and pack, they hold more and obviously, are so much better for the environment. Now, I just need to remember where I put them after I bring them home.... I can't count the number of times I've got to the check out line with a cart load of groceries and had no bags from home. Then I look at that pile of plastic bags and feel sick. At least they make good doggie doody bags.
I love re-usable bags! They definitely make me feel better when I use them. Great job on accomplishing your SMART goal. I hope you continue to keep up with your goal. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete