As a daily bus commuter on Sound Transit and Metro, I always participate in the surveys they circulate on the bus during commute rush hours.  Encouraging bus ridership to  have fewer cars on the road cuts down on emissions, saves energy and alleviates congested roadways.  I cleaned up trash at a park and ride bus stop last evening- litter on the sidewalk and in the bus shelter. It is discouraging on a daily basis to see the increased lack of respect for others and the environment in public transportation hubs such as transit centers and park and rides.  Empty beer cans, plastic water bottles, gum, blankets, food waste and vomit at the transit center-not a great way to start or end a work day. I try to pick up where I can.

Perhaps standard of living in comparison with some other countries contributes to meat eating. As America developed with agricultural growth, in economic downturns if nothing else having animal stock as food source helped families survive and perhaps became a symbol of being if not "well off" then at least still alive and kicking. My family on both sides through grandparents and great grandparents have farm roots with meat and dairy stock as well as vegetable stock in the  Midwest and in Washington State that I am proud of. I enjoy consuming fish, meat and vegetables and according to me, I have good values as a North American person. Amen. 

I have often just assumed some of the local boutique coffee roasters used beans sourced from growers that use environmental safer practices, but never questioned it! This learning helped me find the right questions to ask and also - if you have to guess about a bag of coffee, maybe that's a bad sign. I'd rather go to the roasters that embody everything about an environmentally friendly life style and show it loud and proud than have to dig on the internet for transparency.

In the spirit of "Re-earth" (a great term from the TRUE zero waste program), we started a small home-composting worm bin. Hoping the kids will be interested in tending it and using the compost for the vegetable garden.