365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge

As I don’t smoke, I don’t need an ashtray. But instead of throwing away this earplug box, I prefer to give it to a smoker to use as portable ashtray.

29 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
Each month, I read a magazine about psychology. I learn a lot and it often makes me feel better. For example, today I felt unsure about whether the direction I'll take at work is right. This quote taught me it's part of the process so I feel confident again (Day 208).

Looking back: 209 days into my 365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge: 
On Day 208, I wrote that my thoughts influence my feelings. My feelings in turn influence my actions: when I feel good because I believe I can make a difference, I have more energy to change my habits than when I feel anxious; also, more energy helps to keep me going.

With one of my friends, I went for a walk and picnic. Of course, we also brought cutlery along. We would have to carry less weight when bringing plastic forks and spoons. But throwing them away afterwards was not an option for me, so we brought normal cutlery. And, as my cutlery has bright colors, it made our day even happier.

28 days into my 365 Clover Challenge:
Q&A: I received feedback that my work is a lifestyle, a movement. I was asked how we can get more people on board. As we all together know more than just me: what could you and I do so that more people are eager to join?

As I in the past used to make muffins regularly, I used reusable silicon cups instead of one-way ones. This reduced waste.

26 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
This shop has a great offer. On the board it says: "solar panels on our roof = free green electricity for you!" So, when you shop here, you can recharge the battery of your car for free.

Most toilets allow visitors to flush different amounts of water – or allow flushing to be stopped. Without having checked this fact, my toilet uses 3 or 6 liter. So, I choose well.

26 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
During the last few weeks, I've enjoyed the increased number of comments and tried to answer all. I realized though that Twitter doesn't allow this much activity. So if I don't reply in the future, it's because of this limit; I appreciate your contribution just as much!

Looking back: 208 days into my 365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge: 
I know that my thoughts influence my feelings. For example: when my train is delayed I can think:  - "I now don't have to hurry" -> 😁 or  - "I will miss my connection" -> 😡  This knowledge helps me when I get anxious about climate change: "I do everything I can" -> 😏

I use this pillow when I sit up in bed and for example write about the day in my bullet journal (Day 290 of my 365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge). However, I had nowhere to put it afterwards, so put it on the ground. But as it gets dusty, I made a small table from wood leftovers. Now it will remain clean.

25 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
On Sunday, I learned that tangle drawing is quite meditative. As a lot of things are going on and due to reducing my hours at work, my life is changing a lot again. That's why I loved doing another meditative, relaxing drawing: a mandala.

I have to admit, deciding to use a laundry rack takes a bit more time than using a dryer. But while putting the clothes up, I usually listen to some music so it is not so bad. And it just feels better to only use the dryer in case my clothes – or often bed sheets – need to get dry fast. Not only do I use less electricity, my clothes wear out less quickly too!

24 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
On Saturday, I went for a walk with a friend. As she had symptoms that could be Corona, we couldn't see each other. That's why we talked on the phone during our walk. It made me think of this quote. Similarly: *that* I live more sustainable is more important than how.

When I have leaves on the grass, I rake them away (#79). However, when they are in the border, I leave them, as they provide insects and other small animals a great place to hide.

23 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
Mounting a bird house is not only a sustainable decision (#311), these also made me smile! And although I already knew this, I realized again how great it is that sustainability and smiling go together!

Looking back: 207 days into my 365 Sustainable Decisions Challenge: 
Time seems to go really slowly since I started my Challenge. For example: when I came back from a walk today, it felt like I'd been gone for weeks. And last Christmas feels like years ago. I believe this is because my days are so intense. Fascinating! And, I love it!

With my washing machine – and I guess most can do this – I can choose the temperature and the time it takes to wash the clothes. The standard setting of the program I pick is 40°C and 2,5 hours. I have tried whether it works just as well to wash with 30°C and only about 1 hour. And it does, which saves a lot of energy.

22 days into my 365 Clover Challenge: 
This tube is measuring the groundwater level in its area. As you can see it is very dry. According to the Dutch weather institute, this area is getting dryer every year due to climate change. That's why I'm motivated to save water as much as possible.

There are different types of shower heads. I have one that is water saving, which is an easy way for me to use less water during showering.