Eva Macey

Reflection: Overall, I have enjoyed this experience and learned a lot along the way. Some challenges were difficult, like making zero waste meals, since most foods are excessively packaged and finding a sustainable mode of transportation, because of the lack of safe bike paths. Some were easy, like changing my light bulbs to LED's and exploring my area. Some were even very fun, like test riding electric bikes. Some taught me things upright, like researching the truth about expiration dates. Some had hidden messages and purposes, like daily walks in nature. The time I have spent learning about the environment and spending time in nature has strengthened my connection to it and taught me what I can do to reduce my harm to it. For example, I learned that recycling is important, but reducing single-use materials, reusing products and prioritising zero waste products is even more important. I learned that there are very easy ways to reduce one's carbon footprint with minimal effects or efforts, like the light bulb switch that reduces energy consumption and recycling, since all you have to do is add another bin. I also learned that even cities like Montreal have nature that can be appreciated and protected. I do not think my trial of these sustainable actions made a difference, but since I added some of these actions to my everyday life, overtime, they will greatly lessen my carbon footprint. For example, I intend to continue to recycle, reduce single-use products, and use LED lights. I also learned many new ways to be more sustainable, which I intend on sharing with many people throughout my lifetime, in the hopes that they too will use these methods to reduce their carbon emissions. I included my family and some friends in this challenge. I included them primarily by sharing any new information I learned with them, like when they want to throw away food on their expiration date, and I explained that the food is most likely still okay to eat. The challenges were also made much easier with their help. For example, when I wanted to test ride electric bikes, my mom and sister were there to keep my company. Also, when I tried biking to school every day, my dad was there to pump my tires. If a world, specifically our world, were to not use any fossil fuels, I believe we would switch to reusable sources of energy like, wind, hydro, and solar power. At first, there would be some additional costs, to get all of the systems in place. The increased use of hydro electricity would also cause flooding that would destroy some habitats. On the other hand, the air quality would improve and global warming would almost cease to exist, due to the extreme reduction in carbon emissions.

Reduce single-use disposables: This week, I exchanged many of the sing-use products I use on a daily basis with reusable ones. For example, I normally start my day by buying a drink from a depanneur or the school cafeteria. This week, I started carrying around a reusable water bottle instead. I also often use plastic utensils and plastic bags to pack my lunch, but this week, I used metal utensils and reusable containers. This change was an easy one that lowered my carbon emissions.

Daily Walk: This week I decided to go for a 30 minute walk in nature, every day. This has come with physical and psychological benefits, like stress relief. Walking in nature everyday has also strengthened my connection with nature, which makes me care more about nature and how my actions affect it.

Zero waste meals: This week I only made meals that did not produce any waste, that could not be composted. To do this I primarily ate fruits and vegetables since they are the foods most commonly not packaged in plastic. I also visited a bulk barn, where they sell food products without packaging. This week's challenge made me see how much packaging is used. This is a problem since these materials are often used once and thrown away. From here on out, I will be trying to primarily buy foods that are not packaged. This will not be easy since absolutely everything in a standard grocery store comes single, double, or even triple wrapped.

Go by bike: This week, I decided to use a bike as my main mode of transportation. This was extremely difficult and scary. I only live approximately thirty minutes, by bike, from school, so the time and energy exertion were not an issue. The issue was that the path I had to take was very close to major roads. One slip up and I would be under a car. Also, other bikers are very pushy, too fast, and can be very mean. After this week, I have determined that biking can not be my main mode of transportation right now, but I would be open to it in the future if my next apartment is closer to proper bike paths.

Thanksgiving:

Explore my area: I have only lived in the city of Montreal for approximately a year and a half. I have not yet been able to see or connect with most parts of my area. The way I went about exploring my area was spending two hours slowly walking down every street within a one kilometre radius. I made sure to pay attention to what kind of people, businesses, institutions, parks, trails, and trees were around. This experience has given me a better sense of community and strengthened my connection to both the community and the nature around me. This new connection has already made me care a bit more about how my actions affect the community and nature around me.

Led Light Change

Mass Demonstration

Recycle Everything You Can: I am ashamed to admit that since I moved out on my own a year ago, I have not been recycling. Something about the simple task seems pointless to me, so I have not been doing it. So, this week I bought a blue bin to put in my apartment, and properly rinsed and sorted whatever waste I could. After doing this for a week, I don't think I will be stopping any time soon. It has been extremely easy to incorporate recycling into my household, and it is one of the easiest ways to lessen one's carbon footprint.