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So it's been threee months since I started doing the G Challenges here - it's made some subtle but long-lasting changes in my life.
My first challenge was to stop using takeaway coffee mugs. Since then I've only used one, and have switched to sitting down for a coffee if I really want one, instead of having them on the run. For me, the coffee is more of a treat if I can sit down and enjoy it in the coffee-shop than if I have to rush off. But I'm seeing more people bringing their own mugs for their own takeaways now, which is very encouraging.
The next challenge was going without bottled water for a month. This challenge has led to a permanent change for me - I haven't bought a single bottle of water since then. At work I use my Sigg bottle, and when I'm out for the day on weekends I bring a reuseable bottle I got for free from the TravelSmart group. I don't think I'll be going back to plastic bottled water at all.
Since finishing the vegetarian challenge last week, I've only had meat in three meals, and that was from items we'd bought before the challenge and had left in the freezer. I'm going to keep working on reducing the meat I eat, and trying to get it from sustainable sources when I do eat it.
How are you doing with these challenges? Have they led to a change in habits for you, or made you re-think your daily activities?
Comments
I have been taking the same challenges also. But the challenges have become habits now.
At work I take a thermal mug to the coffee shop for my coffee. At first everyone commented on my large mug of coffee. My reply was that this is my bit for the environment, reducing my foot print on the Earth and reducing my contribution to landfill. I now have converts! If I do not have my mug I can not ring myself to buy take away coffee.
Next came plastic water bottles. I use my own water bottle and take it everywhere. If I forget to take my bottle again I can not bring myself to buy bottled water. This has been the easiest challenge to do.
Meat has been a little harder for me. But I can and did do one day a week meat free. This I am trying to continue and slowly increase the number of days meat free. There really are some yummy vegetarian meals if you take the time look.
That's fantastic, Reg! I'm so glad other people followed your example with the coffee mug too. I reckon the best way to get people to change is to just lead the way and show people it's not that hard.