My final post for this half of our project is part reflection, part update on the additional lifestyle commitments I’ve added to my daily actions. But first of all, I have to excitedly write about the new running shoes I bought! Purchase justification comes in 3 . . . 2 . . .1 . . . These shoes are necessary as I’ve signed up for a triathlon, and a 24hour relay race across the state of Massachusetts; both events are set to occur at the end of May and early June. These physical challenges are sponsored by the sedentary lifestyle I’ve adopted between school, work, the weather and a need to feel healthy again. I need to start training as of yesterday. My worn, stinky, and deteriorating sneakers must be upgraded to new ones that will last me through race season.
Here are the sneakers I purchased:
These are Brooks‘ Green Silence. Yes, they’re pricey, and I really hope they can get me through race season. I will let you know how they hold up. In case you don’t click on the link to check out the “eco-innovation” of the shoe, they are made of 75% post-consumer recycled products. Biodegradable midsole, insole and collar foams, all dyes and colorants are non-toxic, and it’s constructed with half as many parts of other shoes, lessening the amount of water and petroleum it takes to make the shoe.
Another exciting event in my life is I have gone paperless in my home - well with the exception of toilet paper. Last week, I counted how many paper napkins, tissues or paper towels I use on a daily basis. I average between 10-15 pieces of paper products per day. This is not only expensive, but wasteful. This week I’ve armed myself with Trader Joe’s Super Amazing Kitchen Cloths . These cloths are quite amazing, so easy to clean and reusable that I forgot about my past paper towel life. I also keep one at work because my clumsiness does not stop at my front door. Today I’m armed with a cloth napkin for my face, and one for my nose (hello allergy season, we meet again), which are just cut up dish towels. These travel cloth napkins are great for work and in case I get a case of the hungries and need to eat at B.Good, which happens quite often. Overall, this experiment wasn’t too difficult, although it is kind of gross keeping my used cloth face napkins around, but it does feel good to be wasting less.
This spring/summer I am really looking forward to my produce CSA from Stillman Farms. Oh, and it’s pretty inexpensive. For $350 I get a weekly produce box for a growing season that lasts between 16-18 weeks. I’m splitting this with a good friend, which helps with the initial investment and brings down the cost of produce to approximately $11 per week. Unbeknownst to my friend, I specifically asked her because she is an amazing cook, and I envision lots of joint delicious meals!
The consumer changes I’ve made has spurred a lot of dialogue with the many people I interact with daily. Explaining to friends, family and coworkers why I’m doing the things that I’m doing has been quite significant. These discussions reiterate what’s important to me, and sharing my new consuming choices has hopefully inspired people to take a second look at their habits.
Awesome, that our project is rubbing off on your circle of friends, family, and co-workers. Just think, going out and having a drink, could turn into going out and educating a bunch of people.
ReplyDeleteI think Kim has a pair of those stylish green sneakers, maybe she could provide data as to how they have stood the test of time so far.
Ditto on the circle of friends sentiments. For me, this project has provided a welcome excuse to discuss "green living." It's hard to bring these kinds of things up with people in regular, everyday life because you're either perceived as a.) crazy or b.) a better-than-thou preachy hippie. By saying, "Yeah, my class is doing this kind of cool social experiment..." it takes the edge off. I'm talking about my life, instead of rambling about environmental stuff. Granted, it's not a long-term fix (I need to learn how to bring these things up in casual conversation without a grad school crutch), but it HAS led to FOUR of my friends switching over to the Diva Cup...just sayin'...
ReplyDeleteLove your new shoes Melissa! Good luck on the race (s)!
ReplyDeleteI was debating doing a CSA with some of our local farms, just not sure if I want to go that way or have more of a selection at the farmers market (my family can be picky).
Again, hope your new kicks are with you for lots of wins, or at least meeting your goals.
Kris
Karyn,
ReplyDeleteI have had the Brooks Green Silence running shoes for several months. I do not actually run in mine, because my feet require better support when I run than these shoes afford. However, I do wear them to the gym, to work, and to kick around in. They are very comfortable and have held up quite well too. I highly recommend them.