Blog Update!
For those of you not following me on Facebook, as of the Summer of 2019 I've moved to Central WA, to a tiny mountain town of less than 1,000 people.

I will be covering my exploits here in the Cascades, as I try to further reduce my impact on the environment. With the same attitude, just at a higher altitude!

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Low Impact Week wrap-up

Low Impact Week: June 1 - 7, 2007Well, this is it - the last day of Low Impact Week! I thought I'd follow up the week with another poll (or two) to get your impressions on how you did and whether or not you will continue.






I hope that, for the most part, this has been a positive experience for you and that it has provided that one little push to get you doing something you've always wanted to do or introduced you to some new ideas. I know for some of you this week was bad timing as you had other things going on.

One thing I've seen on some of your blogs is some of you being really hard on yourselves because you didn't get done some of the stuff you set out to do this week. Just because Low Impact Week ends today doesn't mean that you can't try next week or later. Those goals don't need to disappear. I think this community of people will still be around for your support.

I have to say that I am equally impressed at the amazing amount of work you all have done even if it was one small change or completely upending your lives.

I'll be checking back in with you all, probably at the end of the month, to see how you are doing. In the meantime, watch for other posts to keep us all involved in encouraging each other. We've created a community and I don't want to see it disappear just because it's June 7th.

Also, I'll be announcing a new challenge mid-June. I thought I'd give you all a few days breathing space, but I don't want to lose the momentum that we all have gained so far! Don't worry, it's not another Low Impact Week, but it does focus on one area of impact.

So, congratulations to each and every one of you.

And don't forget! Tomorrow I'll be posting the Low Impact Week contest question.

14 comments:

urban mama said...

I have a question that I am not sure you can answer or not but I thought I would throw it out there. I have been hearin how plastic cups and bottles are not good for kids and I am willing to change but I do not know what to change to . I can't give them glass and I have not seen any good alternatives. Any ideas?

QT said...

It is funny how easy some of the changes are to make but we just don't do them until something like this comes up. For me, I had some great expectations, but I try to remind myself it is the sum of my actions, not just what happens in one week.

Anonymous said...

I have the same problem as 'urban mama' . . . I know plastic is bad for me and the environment, but it's just so darn hard to cut out of your life! I have been trying to cut down my usage of it, but it really is diffucult. I know that it's important, and that keeps me going. I have stopped using the disposable waterbottles and switched to a nalgene bottle. They're a fairly inexpensive investment considering the returns. It is plastic, but it's much better for the planet.

oopuy said...

You're right, we are generally too hard on ourselves. We're trying and we're doing what we can, that's better then nothing! So a big high five to everyone, I'm proud of you (and myself!).

Anonymous said...

Urban Momma,
Check out Reusable Bags (on-line) they sell wonderful stainless steel bottles called Klean Kanteen. We all have one and love them. They sell various sizes and even have a sippy lids.
KMH
www.hedgeshappenings.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

I am really looking forward to your next challenge. I missed the boat on this one and found it late, I think I am still going to try and take it on my own. My plan is to get some of the gals from my book club to join in.

That said, I know many of your readers, like me, are trying to cut back on plastic products. I am in the pet industry and am overwhelmed by the number of plastic pet products. I have been researching alternative pet products, such as recycled toys and biodegradable doggie poop bags. (http://thisgreenlife.wordpress.com/2007/05/16/the-green-way-to-pick-up-doggie-doo-doo/)

Thank you for the great info. I will continue reading and learning.

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I just ran across your nice blog. I have read a little of it. I had to laugh at your Diva cup blogs because I just got one 2 months ago, and after struggling to figure out how to place it correctly, I absolutely love it now.
I don't use my clothes dryer at all, year round. I have an outside clothesline that I use in good weather for sheets, towels, and blankets.
I use 3 indoor "floor dryers" I bought at www.lehmans.com. I have 2 of the largest sized ones, and in addition to clothes, I dry quilts, sheets, etc. in the winter on them. They are well built and should last forever.

Anonymous said...

I am really enjoying your blog and just added you to my blog roll!

Thanks again for the great info.

Wendy Bredhold said...

Anonymous, I hate to tell you this, but you don't want to use a Nalgene bottle. I just got rid of mine in favor of Siggs (similar to Kleen Kanteen) because the plastic used in Nalgene bottles leaches a hormone disrupter called BPA. Here's a good article and links to resources on the subject:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/nalgene

I have been learning so much about plastic recently. For instance, I didn't know that it's difficult to recycle. It's going to be hard (if not impossible) to eliminate it but I'm enjoying these challenges.

P~ said...

CC~
I definetely thought that this has been a positive experience. I look forward to next June (annual event??). I agree with you that we have been hard on ourselves sometimes, but in a way I think that is a good thing. I think that it shows we are willing to be critical of ourselves and that we are trying to push ever further with our goals. I posted a wrap-up of my own with my observations about the week and wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the inspiration to do it.
I also want to second your thought that we should try to keep this community actively interacting. I'm sure we all enjoyed sharing in our trials and triumphs with each other.
Thanks again.
P~

Wendy Bredhold said...

I'm leaving for vacation June 18. Will I miss the next challenge announcement?!

Crunchy Chicken said...

Wendy - I'll announce the next challenge on June 15th.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for setting up this LIW. You've inspired me and obviously a lot of other folks out there. Good job!

Anonymous said...

Hey - we had a great time this week - thanks for organising the challenge - nothing like a kick start sometimes!