Presidio Graduate School

I learned that I have so much more to learn and do.   But I also learned from the collective experience that indeed we can and will make the change that’s needed.   

Once again - appreciate the format and accessibility of these eco-challenges!  I've learned, I've adopted new habits and I've been talking a lot about it with my friends and family.

It was interesting to do the energy audit, but our newly built home was designed to be extremely energy efficient, so I didn’t learn anything particularly new. I was disappointed that ithe audit didn’t include renewable energy for heating and cooling - we have been amazed at how well the geothermal unit works. I guess the audit is designed to...

During this challenge I have been tracking the food our family wastes. I have always felt bad about it, but writing it down each day has been eye opening.  Now I need to figure out how to organize our refrigerator and shopping and eating patterns better so we don't forget things in the back shelves that become science experiments! 

Cultural characteristics, such as a belief in unlimited land, resources and individualism stands in the way of making choices which benefit the whole over what is at this minute most convenient and easiest for ones self.

I think taking public transport has so many wins, beyond the environmental benefit. For me is a sort of reality check, see how other people around me are behaving, what they are discussing, makes me cherish diversity of the place I live in.

I have told many friends, family about my "2 meals a day" commitment.  I am realizing that it's memorable and compelling for a number of reasons: planet impact, animal treatment, personal cost savings and health reasons!  Win win win win.  There's something in there for everyone.

Switching to an electric or hybrid also increases your resilience. If one were to combine with a home rooftop solar system, the only costs would be tires and batteries

I would rather use the money to feed the homeless an start creating a solution that is long term and sustainable for those living without support on the street

I hadn't heard of Silvopasture before, but it seems like it has some of the same advantages as other integrated agricultural practices. Living things tend to thrive when they exist within systems rather than as separate from nature.