Third week

I found the third week to be more challenging without the heat, since it got pretty cold at times.  But I managed to get through it just fine, as I think my body has adapted.  I now feel slightly uncomfortable when I walk into heated rooms.  I'm a pretty active person, so I'm able to stay warm by working up a sweat while running or working out indoors.  The laundry line on Sunday was great, as I was able to dry my clothes naturally and save some energy at the same time.  I've also continued to study in the library more, which helps reduce energy needs in my room.  The maximum time I'll allow heat in my showers is 30-45 seconds, and this has worked out.  My body has adapted to cold showers quite well.  I've also made an effort to eat more compostable food (aka healthier food), especially when not in the commons.  While this is impossible to do all the time, I've noticed a significant waste reduction when trying to compost more.  I've also managed to put some of the vegetables I've been growing in my garden plot into use, recently using bell peppers and basil (from early October) for a pasta dinner.  Another thing I've been doing to save paper is to do much of my reading for class on the computer.  This is debatable as to being a better option, since there is a greater electricity demand.  However, once Southwestern purchases 100% wind energy (which is in the works), it will make the transition to screen reading more tolerable.  The Megaphone is also planning on having a paperless issue next semester.  I encourage people to read the Megaphone online, especially when the website gets renovated.  While this will not be a permanent change by any means, it is a simple way to reduce paper and ink usage by putting an issue online.  

I hope everyone enjoyed their lifestyle projects and are continuing to adopt the habits learned over the last three weeks.  Hopefully some will be inspired to make permanent lifestyle changes as well, changes easy to justify and difficult to ignore.  One of the most important lessons I have learned are that sustainable choices are easy to make once they become habit (three weeks being the optimal time period for forming habits).  Not only do they benefit you but the community as a whole in the long run.  Sustainable individual choices lead to more sustainable communities, and more sustainable communities are the foundation of a healthier planet.