For my Earth Month Challenge, I chose to focus on food and water. Each, I plan to do a different challenge. For the first week, I plan on wearing my clothes more than once so I don’t have to do laundry as much. I plan on getting one wear out of undergarments, a couple wears out of shirts, and about a week’s wear out of jeans and hoodies. I think my biggest challenge would be putting the clothes away again so I know that it’s clean enough to wear again. My second challenge is to cut soda out of my diet. The majority of what I drink is soda so I’ll probably struggle a bit with this. However, one of my roommates is really into being healthy and she says she’ll help keep me in line.  My third week is to focus on cutting my shower time. I don’t think I take super long showers at Morrill. They usually last about 20 minutes (if I were at home,it’d be a different story). My biggest challenge will be having the self discipline to hurry up once the hot water gets going. Showers and baths are very relaxing so I don’t ever want to get out. For my last week, I plan on cutting all red meat completely out of my diet and eating less other meat. I grew up eating way more meat than vegetables and fruit so I think this will be hard because I’m not sure what to eat that’s meatless besides salad. On campus,most food is prepared for me so I’m sure there will be options for me to eat.

Week 1

Getting multiple uses out of my clothes didn’t go as well as I had hoped. It wasn’t a complete disaster because normally I do laundry every weekend and didn’t have enough dirty clothes to warrant a trip to the laundry room. However, I didn’t rewear clothes super often. I would say my biggest problem was that I threw all my worn clothes in my laundry basket. Living in a quad, I don’t have a ton of room to separate my clothes and i never really put them away. So the easiest thing to do was throw them in the laundry basket. And in the laundry basket, my clothes either get wrinkled or soiled from the really dirty clothes. Another big problem was work. I work in Traditions and I tend to get pretty messy. It’s hot serving food all day so I get sweaty and gross. My clothes get gross too. I also spill things a lot. Usually, it’s in my morning shifts when I make waffles. I drip batter all on my jeans and shoes. If I’m not spilling food when serving, I get really messy in dish room. Despite the plastic protective aprons I wear in dish room, I never fail to go home without being soaked with food crusted all over my clothes and skin. Really, not putting clothes away properly and work is a recipe for this challenge not being as effective as I had hoped. However, I did cut down on enough dirty clothes to go longer than a week without washing them. Next week, I think it will be a bigger challenge for me because I will be cutting back on one of my most loved habits; drinking soda.

Week 2

My second week consisted of my miserably not drinking soda. I chose this to be friendly to my body instead of the environment. I know that between the resources used in making soda as well as transporting it,it’s not the most environment friendly option. However, I’m more aware of the effects it has on my body. When I started developing a soda habit in high school, I gained a lot of weight. My dentist also like to point out that I have cavities. I know this is a way to be a bit better to the environment and a lot better to myself. I honestly didn’t think I would struggle with this as much as I did until I went to grab a Coke when getting lunch or dinner. I didn’t even realize I was drinking as much soda as I was. So instead of soda, I would drink tea or Vitamin Water and I never felt satisfied. My roommate, Meagan, always gives me pep talks into not drinking soda. She’s always trying to eat healthier and her encouragement did help. However, after work in Traditions, I usually would get a small bottle of Coke to help me get through whatever i needed to do. Other than after work, I did pretty well in not drinking soda. Hopefully I can cut the habit completely. Next week I’m going to take shorter showers. If I can cut soda down, I’m sure I can cut down on showers.

Week 3

For my third week I planned on cutting my shower times. I don’t think I was very successful. My biggest problem was that I kept forgetting to keep track of how much time I was in the shower. So I think I was a few minutes quicker than usual in my average shower. But my biggest downfall is after work. Usually at workin Traditions, I mostly stand in one place either waiting to serve food, washing dishes, or taking payments. Standing in one place for over six hours at time puts a lot of strain on certain muscles instead of spreading the strain as you would do when walking around. So, after each shift my legs and knees ache badly. So, I tend to take longer hot showers to relieve some of the pain and relax. Overall, I think my water usage for showers stayed about the same. Next week plan on cutting down on meat and cutting read meat completely out. Considering I did fairly well with cutting down on soda, I think I’ll do okay on it.

Week 4

Cutting down on meat, especially red meat, was a lot easier than I thought. At home, we eat meat with every meal. I usually eat beef and pork a couple times a week,and I eat chicken with almost all other meals. My biggest concern was not knowing what to eat that didn’t contain much meat. However, I don’t really cook for myself much on campus so this was a lot easier than I thought it would be. There are some really good vegetarian options such as wraps and the grilled cheese at the union. Also, if I wanted to eat meat, there are more than enough options that include chicken or turkey instead of beef. I didn’t eat any red meat at all this week and a lot less meat than usual. I’m really proud of myself and surprised this was easier than I originally thought it would.
Overall, I thought the Earth month challenge was a creative and fun way to be more environmentally conscious. At first I thought that changing certain habits such as showering quicker would be less of a challenge than changing how I eat. However, that proved to be the other way around. Because of this challenge, I honestly think I can change my diet to be healthier now. I also think that becoming a vegetarian isn’t as difficult as I thought it would be (although I’m not ready for this commitment). I would like to continue the no soda and less meat challenge in my daily life. I’m sure that I can achieve this on campus but I doubt I’ll keep it up when I’m home for the summer. Next year, I’d like to try different challenges or make these ones more extreme somehow. I also am not good at updating things like oroeco. I completely forgot about it except for the couple minutes it was mentioned in class. Although I think using the app is a good idea, it’s not very effective for someone like me who never updates any information. That’s another habit I should change,other than the ones in my earth month challenge.

I did my Columbus to do list all in one day with my grandma and my two brothers.

The first place I visited was Pistacia Vera. The first thing I noticed was that it was crowded and that almost made me want to not go in. However, my need for desserts will almost always outweigh my reluctance and anxiety for being around a lot of people. So I went in and saw that it was a really cute cafe. The yellow chairs on the patio and all of the bright colors of the sweets in the display case really brought the place together. Not to mention all of the desserts looked simply amazing. Even though the desserts looked great, the prices did not. I think almost everything is overpriced and Pistacia Vera is no exception. One macaroon cookie is $1.75. If my grandma weren’t there, I probably wouldn’t have gotten anything. But the prices didn’t stop my grandma who bought a dozen macaroons in different flavors. When I tried one, I was pleasantly surprised. It was easily the best macaroon I ever had, especially the strawberry ones. Overall, I thought Pistacia Vera was a bit costly (especially if you buy a dozen) but the macaroons are so good it’s worth it.

The next place I went was the Book Loft. The Book Loft is literally the coolest bookstore I’ve ever neeb in. It doesn’t even need a Starbucks in it. You know those mazes made out giant bushes you always see on tv? The Book Loft felt like that but made out of books. It was pretty breathtaking. I went in with the intention of buying the last book in the Lunar Chronicles. I had to go up some stairs, turn a few corners (and ending up in a closet filled with books about Ireland), went down different stairs, before finding the Young Adult section so I could get my book. I wanted to stay in there forever and explore every crook and cranny and every word written in the books. But I was with my grandma so I had to leave. The only downside to the Book Loft was that I paid the full publisher price for my book, which I was not used to because Amazon spoils me. But overall, The Book Loft is positively amazing. All book lovers and maze enthusiasts should visit it soon.

Next I went to Schiller Park. My grandma doesn’t get out much to walk around places because she’s had both hips replaced  and it’s hard for her but she walked around the park with my brothers and I. I’m really glad she got out and she even got excited over the ducks (my grandma really loves birds). I wasn’t really crazy over this park, but it was really nice. I would definitely recommend going there if you’re in or live around the area but I don’t think it’s worth goingout of your way for.

I’m terrible at climbing (and pretty much all other sports) but I thought the Scioto Audobon was super cool. The giant rock wall definitely intimidated me but I saw the playground and was in love instantly. If there’s one thing I can’t deny, it’s that I’m a child at heart (and so are my brothers). As soon as the car was in park,my brothers and I raced to the playground. The rope pyramid was definitely the coolest. My brothers and I climbed to the top while my grandpa took pictures. I really loved this park and I want one near my home in Cleveland. It’s a great place to hang out.

Finally my grandma took us out to dinner at Katzinger’s Deli. The prices were similar to that of deli’s I frequent at home but I still don’t like how high they are (I’m always complaining about prices). However, the food was really good and it was a nice way to end my day with my family.

For my to do list this semester (why do I have to do this again?), I chose to do German Village. I really hate going places that I can’t walk to on my own. Public transportation gives me anxiety, I don’t have anyone I can ask to drive me somewhere, and I can’t have a car on campus as a first year. Walking is my best option and that eliminates the majority of the lists. Because of that, I chose German Village because everything is close enough to do in one trip and I would love to visit a few of the places there despite my disdain for this assignment.

The place I’m probably looking forward to is the Book Loft. I love books. Books are absolutely amazing. I don’t read as much as I used to but I still really want to go. Even if I don’t get any books, which is unlikely, just being surrounded by so many books is a great feeling. Running my fingers over spines as I skim the titles and the smell of old paper is so soothing. I really think I would love the Book Loft.

Part of this assignment was to visit one of these places already. I have not done that yet (oops). The reason why is because I plan to visit all five locations that I selected in one trip. I plan to take this trip this Friday. I chose this Friday because it is the beginning of Spring Break and I won’t have to worry about classes and assignments that has made the last few weeks super stressful for me. The other reason is because my grandma is picking me up. Not only will she be able to drive me to these places, but I know she would enjoy seeing them as well. Also, she can buy me lunch (and books!) before the long drive back to Cleveland. Although I do not want to do this assignment, I am looking forward to seeing German Village!

Food and Water are essential to life. Without either of these things, all living things would die. Not only is food and water needed for life, but it is a way of bringing people together as well as for our enjoyment. Good food can do good things. That is why I chose to do my Earth Month challenge focusing on food and water.

15 Things You Can do to Reduce Food & Water Waste

1. Take quicker showers!
2. Don’t shower every single day. Showering every other day will not kill you or your hygiene.
3. Take a bath instead of a long shower. If you shower over 10 minutes, a bath usually uses less water.
4. Buy organic food, even if it’s a couple of things.
5. Buy Locally grown food at a farmers market.
6. Grow your own food . Gardens save you money and help reduce food waste.
7. Compost your leftover food and use it for that garden you’re going to grow.
8. Eat less meat or cut meat out all together. Not only will you save animals lives, but you’ll decrease the demand for factory farming.
9. Drink tap water instead of bottled water. This will reduce plastic and many companies use local water anyways in their bottles.
10. Don’t run the tap when brushing your teeth.
11. Rewear your clothes and do laundry less often.
12. If it’s yellow, let it mellow.if it’s brown,flush it down. (Gross, I know)
13. Eat your left overs!
14. Preserve your food through canning, freezing, drying, and other methods.
15. Don’t throw away your food because of the sell-by date. Sell by date is just a suggestion and many foods are still safe after it has passed.

Campus And Columbus Resources

-Waterman Farm

Waterman Farm is a farm on campus that also does research and teaches students about many things. You can go there and learn about learn about food science and more. Also they have dairy cows. You can pet a cow and make a friend!

-Nutrition and Dietary Services at the Wexner Medical Center

The Nutrition and Dietary services are available if you wish to speak to a dietician. You can ask about howto eat a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet. There are also classes and workshops on mindful eating and others related to food consumption.

-Columbus Compost

Columbus compost gives you a container to put your food scrapsin.They collect it and turn it into compost.Twice a year, you get your compost back! The only downside is you have to pay and may not be able to do this if you live in a residence hall. http://www.compostcolumbus.com/

Online Resources!

–Footprint Calculator
http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/gfn/page/calculators/

This footprint calculator can tell you approximately how many Earths it would take to live as you currently do. It includes food and waste as well as other factors.It also includes ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

–Vegan Starter Kit
http://vegankit.com/be/

This site can help you gradually become vegan.

–Earth Easy
http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm

This site has guides on becoming more eco friendly, including how to use less water.

–Mother Earth News
http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/how-to-preserve-food-zm0z71zsie.aspx

This site has many guides,like the last. The link I provided leads to a how to on preserving food without refrigeration.

My initial reaction to doing the Columbus To Do List was both excitement and dread. Those two feelings are polar opposites and it’s odd to feel them both. But let me explain my emotions at the time. I love exploring. New places are exciting and get my blood pumping. It’s even better when those places are outside and I can experience nature. I love seeing trees and the smell of earth and laying in grass and listening to running water. I especially love seeing different types of insects that I feel akin to because of my last name. So exploring is exhilarating.

And of course, there was dread. Choosing a list was easy. I didn’t want to spend money and I love the outdoors. So I chose Outdoor Adventure! The hard part was getting to the locations. Some of the parks I wanted to visit weren’t easily accessible by bus. Even if they were, I don’t know how to use public busing. I can count the number of times I’ve ridden the RTA in Cleveland on one hand. Navigating the COTA in a city where I don’t have someone to help if I get lost was too much for me.

I’m sure that part of this assignment was to get familiar with not only Columbus, but also the COTA. I completely disregarded the latter. On the list I chose, one of the places was The Olentangy trail. Because the Olentangy is right outside of my residence hall, it was an obvious choice.

As a member of the Young Scholars Program, I have visited campus many times over the years. I remember when the river was brown and muddy and definitely not pleasing to the eye. Now it is green and thriving. Walking along the trail is a refreshing way to spend my time. The transformation of the river is gorgeous and it is a much more pleasant place to be. Living next to it also feels like a privilege.

The next place I visited was the Park of Roses in September. My mom, grandma, and sister drove from Cleveland to bring me a few things from home. My mom mentioned wanting to see it so I came up with the idea to visit the remaining places I chose with my family whenever they came to pick me up or visit. It helped me avoid the anxiety of taking public busing and get to the places where the bus wouldn’t take me.

So I put the park of roses into my phone’s GPS and we went after having lunch. My grandma stayed in the car because her hips were hurting and she didn’t feel like walking. I’m pretty sure she just wanted to play Candy Crush.
My sister, my mom, and I followed some people behind a white building because that’s where we assumed the roses were. We were correct.

The first thing I thought was the park seemed kind of lackluster. I assumed this was because it was getting into fall and the roses weren’t all in bloom. However, it was still really pretty. I can imagine how gorgeous the park is when it is in full bloom.

Anyways, I saw the big metal outlook in the middle of the park and practically raced towards it, I love being up higher and being able to over look things. Seeing the entire park at once was pretty awesome. When I came, a couple was there with their dogs. One of the dogs was a rat terrier, the same kind as my dog who passed away this past summer. My mom almost cried. But I got to pet the dogs and that made my day.

The next place I visited was Hayden Falls Park when my mom, brother, and another sister came to get me for the weekend. To be honest, we got a little lost despite my GPS. I guess we all assumed it to be a bigger park than it was. It was pretty small. But we eventually found it and walked down on the boardwalk. Right by the stairs, it was sunken in just a little and my brother was jumping on it. That made my mom mad. Anyways, we walked to the end of the boardwalk and saw the small water fall. It was a cute little park but I couldn’t help be a little disappointed. I was expecting something bigger.

I visited the last two parks the weekend before Thanksgiving. I just came back from breakfast with my roommates and standing in the stairs to Morrill was my younger brother and and my dad’s best friend, aka my honorary uncle. They decided to come get me earlier than I was planning. So I was rushed to get my things together and I forced them to drive me to the last to places.

We did not stay long at either site. We first went to Antrim Lake. I kept comparing the lake to Lake Erie. Lake Erie is so huge it almost feels like standing in front of the ocean. This lake didn’t quite have that feeling. Also, it brought up a question. Do lakes smell the way they do because of the fish, or do fish smell the way they do because of the lake water? I’m not sure but my brother was really excited about fishing. He is really obsessed with fishing, but we didn’t stay long enough to do much.

The last park I visited was Highbanks Metro Park. It reminded me of the Rocky River Park in Northeast Ohio. I really wanted to stay there longer and explore because these are my favorite types of parks. But I was being rushed once again. We only really saw the overlook. I love being up high and feeling so small. It’s a pretty great rush.

All of these parks are great. I would love to revisit them, especially in the summer. As much as I detest heat, I feel like the parks would be crawling with more life and beauty during those few months. I definitely plan on going back (and maybe I can take my family fishing)!