Change The World Wednesday

How did everyone do with last week's challenge? I loved it ... we "left the car home" for the majority of the week (for full disclosure, however, I will say that we work at home). Deciding not to use the car seemed to give me permission to stay home and do a few things that I never have time for ... like reading or working on hobbies. And when we got "cabin fever", we headed out for a walk instead of a ride. When we did use the car, we really thought about it, asking ourselves if it was necessary and if so, how could we best use the trip to do the most with the least amount of gas. While we always try to conserve, this challenge pointed out that there are areas where we can do better.

Here's this week's Honor Society:

Connie Mishali at http://seewhykinsman.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-challenge.html

Inge' at http://dementiafor2.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-no-driving.html

Pseudonymous High School Teacher at http://phhhst.blogspot.com/

Sotorrific Twins at http://sotorrifictwins.blogspot.com/

Natura at http://naturaredweb.com/2009/07/08/top-3-car-free-solutions-to-reduce-carbon-footprints/

Kristi at http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/

Dafthermit at http://theblackbuscompany.blogspot.com/

Mukund at http://life-hereinindia.blogspot.com/2009/07/challenge-for-all-of-you.html

Sober White Women at http://thoughtsofasoberwhitewomen.blogspot.com/2009/07/eco-pimping.html

Shari (sorry, we don't know Shari's site address)

Sarah (sorry, we don't know Sarah's site address but we hear that she posted about this)

GigiSxm at http://adventuresingigi.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesdays_08.html

Harmony at http://harmonytravel.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesdays.html and at http://harmonytravel.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-walkingbikingrollerblading-is-good.html

Chicamom85 at http://chicamom85.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesday-july-8.html

Sinclair at http://sharingourgifts.blogspot.com/2009/07/change-world-wednesday_08.html

Eemilla at http://eemilla.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/forty-five-weeks/

Kate at http://holdfastseeker.blogspot.com/

EcoGrrl at http://ecogrrlnetwork.blogspot.com/

Thomas Winther at http://www.renewablesathome.com/recycling/6-reasons-why-you-worry-too-much-mercury-cfls and at http://www.renewablesathome.com/transport/why-getting-rid-of-my-car-was-a-great-relief

Elizabeth Barrette at http://ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com/698676.html

Joe Todd at http://www.myqualitytime.net/

RhianB (sorry, we don't have a website for RhianB)

Mindmatter at http://anewbeginning-mindmatter.blogspot.com/

S. Engelmohr at http://sengelmohr.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-change-cfl-way.html


Isn't that a great group? While I didn't have time to comment on everyone's posting this week, I did read all of the articles. I hope that each of you will take a minute to visit some of our Honor Society ... there are some great articles out there!

Okay ... are you ready for this weeks challenge? Today's challenge was suggested by Kelli at Thoughts of a Sober White Women. She calls this the "No Spending Diet" and says that she has been on this diet for a year. Wow, Kelli ... that's fabulous! Thanks for this week's challenge. Here we go:

For one entire week, put yourself on a "No Spending Diet" ... don't buy anything new (except for food, health and safety products). No new clothes ... no new shoes ... no new gizmos or gadgets ... forget about a new car, new furniture or new appliances ... nothing new for one week!

OR ... if you're already in the habit of buying used or repurposing what you have, for all or most of the time, write a paragraph or two about how it works in your life or write about your favorite repurposed item and send it to me (you'll find Reduce Footprint's email address on the left sidebar). In an upcoming post, I'll include everyone's ideas!

If you're wondering why a "No Spending Diet" is good for the earth, check out The Story of Stuff. It's a brilliant video!

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who participates in our challenges and spreads the "green" word. I appreciate your open minds, willingness to try something new and concern for the earth we live on!

We're changing the world ... one challenge at a time!

As always ... I would love to hear from you!