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October 7 - October 28, 2020

Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network (GPSEN) Feed

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Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?


  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/28/2020 8:33 PM
    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.

  • Andrew Butz's avatar
    Andrew Butz 10/28/2020 5:36 PM
    It's been fine. Yet I hope that none of us let this nice Ecochallenge distract from our profound US citizenship duties --  which culminate on TUES. NOVEMBER 3rd.  So VOTE! ...And https://ProtectTheResults.com/ .

  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/27/2020 5:29 PM
    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. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Action Track: Justice for the Whole Community Watch a Documentary about Racial Injustice
    What did you learn about racial injustice in the documentary(ies) you watched? How does what you learned connect to your understanding of sustainability?

    Kim Smith's avatar
    Kim Smith 10/27/2020 12:28 AM
    I engaged in the Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education last week.  It was an amazing experience with 9 keynote speakers who are all leaders on racial injustice and environmental justice.  Ibram X Kendi, author of "How to be an Antiracist" and Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" were both incredible and inspiring speakers.  They dug deep into the lessons going on in our world and identified specific actions for how we can all serve as change agents.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Action Track: Healing and Renewal Core Values
    What are your top 3-5 core values? How did you narrow it down to those as being your core values?

    Kim Smith's avatar
    Kim Smith 10/24/2020 5:52 PM
    My partner has a deck of cards called "Personal Values Cards," which they used at work for personal reflection and in team-building exercises.  We have used the cards to discuss our relationship and develop greater appreciation for each others' styles and priorities.

    For my EcoChallenge exercise, I laid out all of the cards and grouped them into different qualities that shape our personal and professional lives.  I tried to rank qualities that touched my heart and mind and reflect how much I value doing quality work, for the greater good.

    So, as personal as these are to share, my top five core values are: Communication; Honesty/Integrity; Competence; Intelligence; and Productivity.


  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/21/2020 9:46 AM
    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.

  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/19/2020 10:50 PM
    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.

  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/15/2020 7:53 PM
    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.

  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/14/2020 11:36 PM
    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.  

  • Mike Marxen's avatar
    Mike Marxen 10/10/2020 11:18 PM
    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.,