Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 10: Weekly Update

What was your SMART goal? Did it change at all during the project? Explain.

This semester was definitely a journey with many twists, turns, and unexpected sights. I started out with focusing on a food related to eating clean in order to reduce my impact on the environment. To make it more specific and more easily measurable, it was changed to eating 5 serving of fruits and vegetables every day. After a few weeks of that, I made it more challenging by adding some additional components like reducing dairy and sugar consumption. Toward the end of the project, I was inspired by several influences to try my hand at "simple living" by getting rid of unnecessary items in my home.

What helped you be successful? What things got in your way? How can you address these in the future?

The main thing that helped me be successful was having a well-written SMART goal that was specific, measurable, and attainable. The challenges I faced included a poorly written SMART goal and dealing with people around me who were not aware of my SMART goal. In the future, I can make sure to meet all the SMART criteria when writing my goal and I can inform people around me about my goal and how they can support me in changing my behavior.

How did you benefit from this project? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about behavior change?

I benefited from this project by becoming more self-aware. By participating in the project with my students, I benefited by being more in tune with their experiences and I think this makes me a better educator. I learned a lot about the world around me, how the world influences me on a daily basis, and how I influence the world through my choices. Through this project and additional readings, I learned that severely restrictive goals (especially eating goals) in which a person feels limited or punished can have a negative effect on long-term health goals and effectively changing a behavior. This has changed how I will teach about behavior change, nutrition, and SMART goals in the future.

How did others and/or the environment benefit from you changing this behavior?

The intention of the project was to reduce our ecological footprints through adopting an eco-friendly behavior of some kind. By eating lower on the food chain and reducing consumption patterns, I hope that my overall footprint was reduced. By eliminating unnecessary items from my home and passing them on to others who can use them, I am able to help others meet their needs while reducing the need for production of new items and keeping items from the landfill.

Will you continue this behavior? Why or why not?

As with all of life, this journey is not over. After so much learning this semester, I am not the same person I was before. I am much more aware of ALL of my behaviors now as far as how they impact the environment. Whenever something is going to be thrown away, I consider if it can be used for some other purpose, reused by another person, or recycled. When making food choices, I am reading labels more throughly and looking for natural ingredients that are not highly processed or have excessive packaging. I find myself shopping more on the outside of the store (rather than in the aisles) than ever before. I have also shopped several times at the co-op and I have considered getting a membership there as well as joining a CSA.

What recommendations do you have for others about making a lifestyle change?

I recommend to ALWAYS start with the SMARTest goal you can. Make sure it is a behavior that you value and make sure that you do not feel restricted or punished. It should be something that you are inspired to do. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for failure or for a behavior that will end as soon as the project is finished. When it comes to true behavior change, it has to align with your value system and be a choice that you are prepared to make for good.

Linky Party Instructions

Join the party using MckLinky. Follow these instructions...

1. Start by posting your post on your blog according to the instructions provided on the course calendar.
2. AFTER the post is completed, join the party below by clicking the "You are next" link.
3. For the title, enter "Your blog name (Eco-Chic Week __)". Example: Eco-Chic with Amy (Eco-Chic Week 3) 
4. For the link URL, add the permalink to your post.
5. Select "enter your link" and you will return to this blog post and should see your entry listed below. Click on it to make sure it takes you to the specific post.
6. Return to your blog. Click "edit posts" and select "edit" next to the introductory post.
7. Add the following text at the bottom of your post: "Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy." Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __" and insert the permalink to this party post. Then highlight the "Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy" and insert the main URL to this blog.
8. Select orange "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the window to publish the changes.
9. Also leave a comment on this post. 
10. Visit your web group members' blogs and leave comments for them as well.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 9: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

My SMART goal for the past week of the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change was:

"I will remove 10 unnecessary items from my home in the next week."

Successes & Challenges

After 100 & 50 items, 10 items is so easy! I created several piles: one for donations, one for friends or relatives, and one for students. As you can see in the photo, I've added to my stash of prizes that I use in class for fun activities...

Feelings
I feel great about the process and love that I am liberating myself as well as the "stuff." If the "stuff" had feelings, it would want to be used instead of being stuffed in a box or closet, right? So why not get it out and about so that it can be used by someone who will appreciate it? :)

What I Learned

I learned that simplification can be a fun and creative process. It really is about creating the person and the life you want to lead. I've also started the process in my office as well! Love it!!

Plans for Next Week
Even though this is the last week of our lifestyle change project, I plan to continue this process in my home and office. I also have plans to do some simplification in my garage!!

Linky Party Instructions

Join the party using MckLinky. Follow these instructions...

1. Start by posting your post on your blog according to the instructions provided on the course calendar.
2. AFTER the post is completed, join the party below by clicking the "You are next" link.
3. For the title, enter "Your blog name (Eco-Chic Week __)". Example: Eco-Chic with Amy (Eco-Chic Week 3) 
4. For the link URL, add the permalink to your post.
5. Select "enter your link" and you will return to this blog post and should see your entry listed below. Click on it to make sure it takes you to the specific post.
6. Return to your blog. Click "edit posts" and select "edit" next to the introductory post.
7. Add the following text at the bottom of your post: "Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy." Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __" and insert the permalink to this party post. Then highlight the "Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy" and insert the main URL to this blog.
8. Select orange "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the window to publish the changes.
9. Also leave a comment on this post. 
10. Visit your web group members' blogs and leave comments for them as well.

Eye Opener: Photo Essay Blog Hop

HLTH 3500 Students...

Link up and share your photo essays with this MckLinky Blog Hop!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 8: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

My SMART goal for the past week of the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change was:

"I will remove another 50 unnecessary items from my home in the next week."

Successes & Challenges

Once you get into it, it is not really a challenge to find things that are unnecessary in your home. The main challenge I faced was the debate between "I haven't done anything with it yet" and "I have good ideas for it." You know I'm a junker, so I see possibilities in everything. HOWEVER, you still only have finite space in which to fit the items and finite time in which to do what you planned with the item.

This process inspired me to work on several projects which hadn't been started or finished yet. One of the projects involved these vintage metal cupcake tins. My intention was to make ornaments out of them. I pulled out the glue gun and got started!! They are not finished yet, but I enjoyed the creativity involved in getting them to this point.

Feelings
I felt conflicted on several items. I have also avoided some areas of my home because I know they will be a larger task. However, at some points, I was thinking, "just get rid of it all!" Overall, I'm feeling more free. I am also feeling like my home is becoming a better reflection of who I am now, who I want to be, and what I want my life to be about. There is something very powerful about that.

What I Learned

I learned that difficult decisions help you grow as a person. Difficult things should not be seen as a dreadful thing or a roadblock. They are opportunities. That's right...opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. It is the decisions you make in those difficult moments that allow you to decide and create the person you want to be. Create yourself and create your life!!

Plans for Next Week
 I plan to continue this process as I have several areas of my home that have yet to be addressed. My SMART goal for next week is:

"I will remove 10 unnecessary items from my home in the next week."

Linky Party Instructions

Join the party using MckLinky. Follow these instructions...

1. Start by posting your post on your blog according to the instructions provided on the course calendar.
2. AFTER the post is completed, join the party below by clicking the "You are next" link.
3. For the title, enter "Your blog name (Eco-Chic Week __)". Example: Eco-Chic with Amy (Eco-Chic Week 3) 
4. For the link URL, add the permalink to your post.
5. Select "enter your link" and you will return to this blog post and should see your entry listed below. Click on it to make sure it takes you to the specific post.
6. Return to your blog. Click "edit posts" and select "edit" next to the introductory post.
7. Add the following text at the bottom of your post: "Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy." Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __" and insert the permalink to this party post. Then highlight the "Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy" and insert the main URL to this blog.
8. Select orange "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the window to publish the changes.
9. Also leave a comment on this post. 
10. Visit your web group members' blogs and leave comments for them as well.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 7: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

My SMART goal for the past week of the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change STARTED OFF AS:

"I will eat 5 servings (1 serving=1/2 cup) of fruits and/or vegetables and 0 servings of dairy products each day."

But, guess what! I completely changed directions of my project. That's the beauty of a personal SMART goal. I have the power to modify it at any time. I was motivated to change the course of my eco-chic lifestyle change because several factors were "speaking to me."

FIRST, I was inspired by Amanda@Amanda's Water Bottle Watch and her efforts to try other people's goals each week. Cool idea, right? I began to wonder about making eco-chic changes in my life other than the food-related ones I was already doing.

SECOND, I recently found a book at TJMaxx called "Secrets of Simplicity." It discusses the concept of simple living or voluntary simplicity. The Simple Living Network says simple living "is about living an examined life — one in which you have determined what is important, or "enough," for you, discarding the rest." I have similar books that I've collected over the years. This one struck a chord with me. I completed the activities throughout the book, and was enamored with the idea of implementing some of the changes in my own life.

THIRD, I remembered reading blog posts about people who are getting rid of 10 or even 100 things each week from their homes in efforts to live more simply. I also recently found many articles about a  man who is doing a 100 Thing Challenge by living with only 100 personal things. Wow!

These things really got me thinking. Could I live more simply? Definitely! I have known this for a long time, so I decided to make it a priority and put it into action. My SMART goal for last week became:

"I will remove 100 unnecessary items from my house in the next week."

 The items will be sold, donated, or given away. Think I did it?


Successes & Challenges

Heck, yes, I did! I have bags of "stuff", a counter full of "stuff" and three boxes full of "stuff". Here is my counter full of things that need to move on to people who need or can use them...

Feelings

I admit that accumulation of "stuff" can make me feel overwhelmed. Then there's the process of getting rid of it. Do I store it for a garage sale, drop it off at Goodwill, regift it, sell it on Craig's List or ebay, or take it to an auction house or antique store? There are lots of options. Each option has it's pros and cons. I am still undecided.

What I Learned

Part of simple living is examining your life and considering what it is you really need. I learned that I have a lot of stuff that I don't need. I have many things that aren't used, that are no longer my taste, or that don't fit.

I learned that I hold onto things because:

1. It cost money.
2. I don't want to just give things away for free if they have monetary value.
3. It was a gift and I don't want to hurt that person's feelings.
4. I fear that I "might" need it someday.
5. It has sentimental value.

In assessing whether something was needed, I applied some lessons from professional organizer, Hellen Buttigieg, from whom I have taken a couple workshops. Some key questions she asks her clients are:

1. Do you use it? (When was the last time you used it?)
2. Do you need it? (Is this a real need? Can the need be met in some other way?)
3. Do you love it? (If so, how are you honoring it or taking care of it?)

After asking myself these questions, I realized that dealing with stuff after you have it is a downstream solution. I realized that I need to go upstream and further evaluate my consumption patterns so that I prevent accumulation of unnecessary things.

Plans for Next Week

I plan to continue this process as I have several areas of my home that have yet to be addressed. My SMART goal for next week is:

"I will remove another 50 unnecessary items from my home in the next week."

Linky Party Instructions

Join the party using MckLinky. Follow these instructions...

1. Start by posting your post on your blog according to the instructions provided on the course calendar.
2. AFTER the post is completed, join the party below by clicking the "You are next" link.
3. For the title, enter "Your blog name (Eco-Chic Week __)". Example: Eco-Chic with Amy (Eco-Chic Week 3) 
4. For the link URL, add the permalink to your post.
5. Select "enter your link" and you will return to this blog post and should see your entry listed below. Click on it to make sure it takes you to the specific post.
6. Return to your blog. Click "edit posts" and select "edit" next to the introductory post.
7. Add the following text at the bottom of your post: "Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy." Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __" and insert the permalink to this party post. Then highlight the "Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy" and insert the main URL to this blog.
8. Select orange "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the window to publish the changes.
9. Also leave a comment on this post. 
10. Visit your web group members' blogs and leave comments for them as well.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 6: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

My SMART goal for the past week of the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change project was:

"I will eat 5 servings (1 serving=1/2 cup) of fruits and/or vegetables and 0 servings of dairy products each day."

Successes & Challenges

I can't say there were too many challenges this week. When you focus on a goal for an extended period of time, it changes how you see things on a daily basis and gives you a new way of thinking. My father-in-law stayed with us last weekend though. My mother-in-law sent along some kind of lasagna dish and tons of candy and cookies. What was she thinking?! Now, the lasagna she made for the guys, but the candy? She sent the candy and cookies, because she didn't want them in her house! Isn't that just mean?

We went to a buffet place one night while he was here as well. Now, you might think that this would be the place that would be the worst to go, but it was actually fabulous! There were so many veggie options that I wouldn't or couldn't make at home. It was nice to have a large selection of vegetables to choose from. Totally loved it!!

I've been trying new foods and even some teas. Here is my lunch for today...salmon and broccolini. Yum...

Feelings

I feel good with how things are going. I do get a bit frustrated when everyone around me is eating all kinds of unhealthy stuff. But when I look at their plates full of colorless foods, it kind of grosses me out. When I think about all the related environmental issues as well, I am reinforced in my lifestyle change.

What I Learned

I learned that the people around me really influence the way I eat. The way our families influence us as we grow up really has an impact on what we think, eat, and do. Frankly, I am ready to change that. I have more knowledge than my family ever had about healthy and eco-friendly eating. I know that I have had an impact on my family in some ways over the years...getting them to change to skim milk during my undergraduate days, requesting more vegetable dishes at holiday meals, and "trying" to discuss the environmental implications of beef consumption (that one didn't get too far!).

When you are making a change, you have to be open about it and tell people (especially family members) what you need or want. They will expect you to be, do, and act the same as you always have unless you tell them that something is different. If you don't want sugar, tell them not to send it. If you not are eating dairy, make sure they know. That way, you are creating a support network and a supportive environment for you new lifestyle. You will also be influencing other people in positive ways.

Steve and I found a new documentary called "Fresh." I've only seen the first few minutes of it so far, but it reinforced something I've been thinking about each time I go to the grocery store...Americans consume way too many processed foods! This processing requires excessive amounts of energy, transport, packaging, etc. Watch the trailer below...



The main thing I am learning from this semester and from participating in this project is that...

The things that are best for the health of the environment 

happen to be the same things that best for the health of humans.

Plans for Next Week

I'm finally ready to modify my SMART goal a bit. I am ready to reduce my consumption of one of the most common...highly-processed sugar-based foods like candy, chocolate, desserts, etc. I have gone for an extended period of time completely without sugary foods, so this is very realistic for me. My new SMART goal for next week is:

"I will eat 5 servings (1 serving=1/2 cup) of fruits and/or vegetables each day, 0 servings of dairy products each day, and 2 or less portions of sugar per week."

Linky Party Instructions

Join the party using MckLinky. Follow these instructions...

1. Start by posting your post on your blog according to the instructions provided on the course calendar.
2. AFTER the post is completed, join the party below by clicking the "You are next" link.
3. For the title, enter "Your blog name (Eco-Chic Week __)". Example: Eco-Chic with Amy (Eco-Chic Week 3) 
4. For the link URL, add the permalink to your post.
5. Select "enter your link" and you will return to this blog post and should see your entry listed below. Click on it to make sure it takes you to the specific post.
6. Return to your blog. Click "edit posts" and select "edit" next to the introductory post.
7. Add the following text at the bottom of your post: "Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __ hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy." Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week __" and insert the permalink to this party post. Then highlight the "Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy" and insert the main URL to this blog.
8. Select orange "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the window to publish the changes.
9. Also leave a comment on this post. 
10. Visit your web group members' blogs and leave comments for them as well.

Share and Voice: Eyes Open Blog award goes to Kristin!

I'm proud to say that the first 'Eyes Open Award for Critical Thinking' of the semester goes to Kristin@Kristin's Green World for her post 'Share and Voice: How Al Gore's Movie An Inconvenient Truth is Full of Crap!'.

Critical thinking involves looking at a subject matter from more than one point of view, and that's exactly what she did! She went out and researched a bit on Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth to look into and see other thoughts on the Global Warming story that Gore presented. Awesome job Kristin! Now you get to pass it along!

Here's what ya do!

Award Instructions

1. Leave a comment below so that I know you "picked up" the award.
   
2. Within 1 week, create a Share and Voice post that says you've received the award and indicate who the award is from (be sure to hyperlink).
3. Also indicate to whom you are going to pass on the award and why. Be sure to hyperlink the blogger (use main blog URL) and the blog title (use the specific URL for that blog post).
4. Copy and paste these instructions at the bottom of your post. Don't forget to include the award at the top of your post!
   
5. Publish the post.
6. Visit each blogger you've awarded and leave a comment telling them they've won.
7. Continue the process...