Mike Marxen

I enjoyed taking part in the Ecochallenge this year.  I learned new things, improved the spaces I live in, got exercise and had a positive impact on the environment and I felt community of people doing good things.

Today, I completed my one time "Go Paperless" task and I feel good.   I hate junk mail and have put off taking action for too long.  In addition to DMA and Credit Card and insurance Opt out, I also contacted two companies that were sending materials I prefer to read online.  Less junk mail has many advantages including greater privacy, less covid exposure, less clutter, less time wasted sorting and recycling and it is good for the environment. 

During the Covid lock down, I have learned a lot about socially responsible investing. Soon to retire, I will be living off of my investments as well as Social Security.  I need those investments to support me financially but also align with my strong ethical and environmental values.   Impact investing can take many forms and it has become easier than ever as many companies publish ESG reports.   Dramatic changes in technology allows one to invest in eco-friendly companies to earn a return and have a positive impact on the environment.   Clean energy investments such as solar, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage companies are growing rapidly.   Healthcare and biotechnology are other sectors with many social benefits to society.  I am encouraged by how popular investments in these areas have become.  The trend is clear and growing and I am happy to be part of it.

As the season changes, I am sorting clothes putting away summer and getting the cozy winter clothes out.   A big donate box is part of my decluttering.

Went for a great walk this morning and continued to explore my new neighborhood.    Cleaning garage involves building shelves and a workbench using mostly used materials.   I purchased materials at the Rebuilding Center and also am using left over material from previous projects.   It takes longer but it is a great way to reduce clutter.  When finished things will be much better organized.

As I am relatively new to the neighborhood where I live,  my morning walk involves exploring different streets and areas.   This is helping me to know and become part of my community.  

Cleaning, decluttering and organizing the garage.  It is a big project as it involves sorting everything that can be recycled and building a work bench and shelves.   Today was day one of a multi day project.,