I was supposed to make a last entry last week for my class, but between my 15-year-old's girlfriend breaking up with him, trying to spend time with my 19-year-old daughter who is returning to Hawaii on the 29th, my grandson's birthday, my oldest son's birthday, and my alzheimer's diseased grandma suffering from a stroke and expected to die any day now (all things that happened last week), it totally slipped my mind.

I will make this last entry in the hopes that I will be shown some consideration for my busier-than-normal life, which has been more involved with others this past week. I have enjoyed all the research and things I have learned from this blog. I agree with Hyrum that many times people involve themselves too much on blogs, but as a homework assignment, I enjoyed it very much because it was a great way to keep track of my progress as well as my favorite web sites, etc. that I continue to refer to. Thanks to my teacher for having us be involved in this learning experience.

Final Entry

I was really disappointed that more of my friends wouldn't commit to doing/changing things to help our environment. I have enjoyed this blog because I have been able to do some fun research and make some great changes in the way I do things. If everyone would commit to just a little, it could make a huge difference.

I will continue my efforts to influence others in making wiser choices regarding the environment. Next Tuesday I will give my report on my blog and if I accomplished my goal, which I didn't because my goal was to get 25 people to commit to doing/changing 2 things. I did have some people say they needed to do better, but no commitments to specific changes they were willing to make. So, I guess we know why our environment is in trouble! I really don't think it is a lack of information or knowledge, people just don't want to change the way they do things. This has been a real eye-opener for me.

New for this week

I learned that in the summer it is best to fill the gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation – good to know and something I plan to do when the weather gets warmer.

I have started adding my aluminum foil to my aluminum cans to recycle. I have had three bags I keep in the kitchen; one for aluminum, one for milk jugs, and one for other plastice drink containers.

I normally rip up and throw away quite a bit of junk mail, but I have started a 4th bag for recycling paper stuff, and I'm going to start another one for cardboard like cereral boxes and stuff, along with a small box for used batteries.

Looks like I'll need the whole family to go with me to the recycling center in Orem next week to haul it all in. I really do feel good about my efforts and wish that more people would get involved in doing the same.

I got an e-mail from a co-worker asking me where she could take some hazardous waste, so I think my friends, co-workers and family are at least using me as a resource, and hopefully I will have planted some seeds in their consciences to be more aware and do some things differently.

Efforts and Successes

Over this past Winter I have rarely put the thermostat above 66 degrees; in fact only when company was coming over. I've just worn warmer clothes inside.

During the past month, I have started washing more clothes in cold water instead of warm.

I've always turned off lights when leaving a room, and encourage my family members to do the same. It's hard to get them all to do it, but I do regular walk-throughs in the evening to make sure all lights that are not being used are turned off.

Last week I purchased some "green" toilet paper. While it is not as soft or nice as what I am used to, I'm okay using it except for blowing my nose.

I discovered that you can actually report smokig vehicles to your local air agency. I will look up and see what I can find on the web for a phone number to report these to. Everyone hates to be behind one of these stinky vehicles!!