I walk on my own property, on a trail through fields and trees, so I enjoy every step and wouldn’t change a thing! What I notice are the differences when weather changes, the sounds of critters and birds, the neighbouring properties, the budding trees and the spots where my dog catches a scent.

I don’t think people know about the impact their air conditioners have, not only for energy use but the refrigerants are terrible for the environment when disposed of. There are alternative coolants but nothing yet with much green cred that I’m aware of.  That’s not a “material” but that’s what I thought of.

Another material that I think might have a high carbon/environmental  foot print is the actual material in the clothes we wear. 

I think there are still some men (and even women) who are dismissive of women or who feel like their position of authority or power will be undermined or diluted if women add to the competitive field, as though if women get more opportunities, men will have fewer. Sadly, I also think there remains an unconscious bias against women with children and a perception that they will be less reliable, less committed, or somehow distracted at work or in office.
There are also many (and I’d say/hope more) men who champion for women’s rights, respect their unique perspectives and professional contributions, see them as peers and do not try to undermine their success. So I’m hopeful these barriers will break.

No buying gas, no oil changes and engine maintenance (for all-electric, which is what we’ve decided on), quieter ride and less vibration. I have reservations about lithium, but believe that continued R&D will improve the environmental impact of the batteries.  

If I buy paper I buy recycled, but better still if  I don’t use paper at all.

I think that as our towns and business set good examples and then people want to engage with that, support those efforts and do what they can. That encourages more sustainable businesses and municipal decisions until eventually you tip the scales. I think a sustainable community is also an equitable community, where well-being of people land and water is prioritized higher than economic growth, which does not guarantee a better quality of life for a town, nor benefits across the population. 

I eat more slowly, and have space to let my mind drift and decide where to land, rather than feeding it more inputs from a device or reading material. I think more about the food I’m eating, and sometimes end up getting more creative about the work issues I broke from to go eat.

The big demand for and ubiquitous availability of meat has forced some producers to prioritize efficiency, on concentrated operations that force accelerated growth at lowest cost. If NA ate meat like other healthier  countries do, as a condiment instead of centre stage, then smaller, diverse farms where animals are a key part of regenerative agriculture, could meet the more reasonable level of demand, 

I’m not sure that any guidelines could ensure a sustainable fishery. Even the so-called sustainably-sourced labels are now colluding and unreliable. As long as there is demand for fish, there will be nets and dragging and devastating by-catch.

To help support women-owned businesses, I have switched to giving donations in honour instead of teacher gifts and Christmas gifts (everyone has everything they need, and often more). One of the charities I give to provides micro loans for women farmers in developing countries, or I buy fair trade crafts by women’s cooperatives through our local retailers. I also love out local fierce female farmers, crafters, artists and restaurateurs and try to give them as much business as I can, and recommend them to others.