One thing I can do to help my community is be aware. I can create a neural pathway in my mind for noticing things are good and bad for the environment. Once that neural pathway is created, it will be a lot easier to form habits, notice trash, etc. That is something that will take a lot of practice but has a ton of rewarding benefits for myself as well as others. 

I've done a couple of "opt-out" programs now, and the next step is just to wait and see if my mailbox changes. Out of all of the mail we get, only about 4 things are wanted: cards and letters from friends and family, bills, things we've actually ordered, and mailers from organizations we're actively supporting. The rest can go!

Knowing the place you live - really knowing it - is essential to feeling settled, at home, and grounded. The best bang-for-my-buck way to do this is to spend time with the plants, critters, and dirt that live in the ecosystem around me! Trail repair turns out to be a good excuse for some quality foothills time.

I started working with the equity committee at the Sierra club, they are focused on supporting diversity equity and inclusion in the community and the legislature. They are also helping to make the outdoors a safe place for everyone, and supporting everyone’s opportunity to have clean energy  

14% of Native American households do not have access to electricity, and they could benefit if solar power were made more accessible. 

Separately, I listened in on an energy committee meeting with farmers and Idaho power. Farmers are struggling to maintain energy independence because of restrictions placed by power companies. Many Idaho farmers use solar irrigation to water their fields, and they should have the power to be energy independent. 

Without everyone taking the time to identify the issues which are important to them and voting / participating in ways to achieve progress, we cannot create a community which reflects the goals and values of its people. Becoming involved beyond just voting stimulates progress to make it to the ballot in the first place. Writing to officials to identify areas you feel are lacking, joining groups which focus on specific reforms, and learning more about how our government actually works are all key to this.

Hiking is routinely a lower stress exercise I add to my weekly exercise schedule. Having friends join me is always better - it feels less like exercise and more like social time

I was wasting a lot of time on social media so I deleted my social media apps. I'm finding myself more connected to things I care about and I feel much freer. And because I'm less exposed to outside news stories and propaganda my stress and anxiety levels are greatly reduced. 

Normally, I use plastic bags at grocery stores... but I could easily substitute it for paper or reusable bags. I just have to put the effort into it.