We have begun house hunting and one of the things that will we are keeping in mind is the ability to convert the house to solar.  Many of the houses where we live are easily 100+ years old.  While we love the idea of having an old brick house, we really need to weigh the amount of electricity and gas it will take to keep the house running.  Looking at potential upgrade abilities for solar, insulation, etc will be a major deciding factor.  Until then we will continue to walk more, drive less, utilize lights when only in those rooms, keep electronics unplugged when not in use, etc.  

I have replaced using plastic straws with reusable straws throughout my household.  I carry them with me in my car so if I am out with my children we can still not utilize disposable straws.  My children have noticed this shift and are on their own now refusing the plastic straws when offered. We are also swapping out plastic wrap for reusable beeswax wraps, and reusable washable storage bags for ziplocs. When purchasing produce we just leave it loose in the cart.  Reusable cups are also taken to work and outings instead of disposables. 

More recycled paper and other materials when crafting with my daughter, and watching the packaging for those items as well.

I believe that we vote with our dollar... so for me, it's important to purchase from companies who have sustainable practices and to purchase products that are planet-friendly. Some times these buying decisions cost more and aren't accessible to all. My hope is that the more demand increases, price will decrease and sustainable purchases will be more accessible to all. Until that happens (or in case it doesn't), we need policies in place to help make sustainable decisions an option for everyone.

Since I travel for work, there is not much I can do about taking a flight every now and then. I book only direct flights when that is an option, since most carbon comes from take off and landing. And even though I didn't purchase any airline tickets to offset this month, I can/will make donations for future flights. And since I'm not 100% sold on any "carbon offset program," I can do this by making a donation to plant trees or improve agriculture/water in the places I travel.

I have a minimalistic, low/zero waste lifestyle and currently work from home and travel most places by foot. My home uses green energy and I eat plant based foods. Yet my carbon footprint still uses the resources of 4.9 Earths... all because of air travel. I so look forward to the day when there are better fuel options for flights (looking at you, Alaska Airlines) and perhaps until then, Starbucks can start offsetting my work-related travel (fingers crossed!)

Proud that Starbucks is a company that is committed to sustainability.