Jessica Levy

Something sustainable I have been implementing into my lifestyle the past few weeks is cooking my own meals. I love to cook and there are many benefits to cooking at home such as saving money, eating a healthier and more personalized diet, and taking time to yourself or to bond with friends. Cooking at home can also be a sustainable practice for several reasons. When cooking at home, you have more control over the amount of food you prepare and consume, resulting in less food waste. You can also use leftover ingredients to create new dishes or store them for future meals. Cooking at home allows you to avoid excessive packaging waste that comes with takeout or pre-packaged meals. You can buy ingredients in bulk, use reusable containers, and reduce plastic and paper waste. By buying fresh, local produce and ingredients, you are supporting local agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of transportation and distribution. Eating at home reduces your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transportation and packaging that come with takeout or pre-packaged meals. Cooking at home can lead to healthier eating habits, which can also have a positive impact on the environment. A diet high in plant-based foods, for example, can reduce the demand for meat and its associated environmental impact. Overall, cooking at home is a sustainable practice that can help reduce food and packaging waste, support local agriculture, lower your carbon footprint, and encourage healthy eating habits.

Recently, I've started using more reusable utensils and eliminating use of single-use plastic utensils. Reusable utensils are environmentally sustainable because they reduce waste, lower energy and resource use, reduce pollution, and conserve natural resources.
Reusable utensils reduce waste in the following ways: less landfill waste, lower energy and resource use, reduced pollution, and conservation of natural resources. Reusable utensils eliminate the need for disposable utensils, which end up in landfills and contribute to plastic waste and pollution. The production of disposable utensils requires energy and resources, and the manufacturing process contributes to carbon emissions. By using reusable utensils, the demand for disposable utensils is reduced, and the environmental impact of their production is reduced. The production and disposal of disposable utensils can also contribute to air, water, and soil pollution. Reusable utensils reduce the demand for disposable utensils, and thus, reduce the environmental impact of their production and disposal. The production of disposable utensils requires the use of finite natural resources, such as petroleum and natural gas. By reducing the demand for disposable utensils, reusable utensils help to conserve these resources for future generations.
Reusable utensils reduce waste, as they can be used over and over again, as opposed to disposable utensils that end up in landfills. However, some single-use utensils are made sustainably and are even compostable! Lots of food places including cafes at UCLA have switched to using "Potato ware", which I think is a great step to take toward making our society more sustainable.

Something new I tried this week to be more sustainable was reducing food waste by planning out my meals. Planning your meals has several benefits, including reduced food waste, cost savings, better nutrition, and convenience. When you plan your meals in advance, you can make a grocery list that includes only the ingredients you need, reducing the amount of food that goes to waste. It also leads to an easier week of cooking, as you are already know what to make each day. Knowing what you're going to eat for the week can reduce the stress of making last-minute meal decisions and reduce the temptation to order takeout or eat junk food. Meal planning can also encourages me to try new recipes and make healthier food choices, as I can pre-select recipes and ingredients that align with my goals. Having a meal plan can help you save time and avoid the stress of figuring out what to eat, especially during busy weeks. Planning your meals can help you ensure that you're eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients. Mainly, buying only what you need reduces food waste and can save you money on groceries.

Last week I decided my eco challenge would be to walk everywhere. Walking more has benefitted me in so many ways in addition to being environmentally friendly. Walking is a simple and accessible form of exercise that has a variety of benefits for both individuals and the planet.

One of the main benefits of walking is that it can improve physical health. Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and increase overall fitness. It can also help with weight management. Walking more just this past week has led me to feel more fit and energetic. Walking can also have mental health benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. It is also a great way to clear your head and get some fresh air, which can help improve focus and concentration. I have noticed a great change in my mental health since walking everywhere and I have also noticed my sleep is better!
Walking is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. It produces zero emissions, reduces traffic congestion and pollution, and can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Walking to work, school, or other destinations is a simple way to reduce our carbon footprint, and it can also save money on transportation costs. It is an easy way to help our earth.
Walking can also be a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the planet. Whether it's a stroll through a local park or a hike in the woods, walking can provide an opportunity to experience the natural world and appreciate the importance of preserving the environment. Walking is a simple and accessible form of exercise that can have a variety of benefits for both individuals and the planet. It is an easy and enjoyable way to take care of our own health while also contributing to the well-being of the planet.

I have used reusable water bottles and cups for the past 10 years. Every day of high school I brought a Hydro flask full of water, and whenever else I could, I would use reusable cups for coffee, tea, and pretty much everything. My mom used to buy packages of plastic water bottles to keep in our garage fridge. I convinced her about 6 years ago to stop buying them and just fill up a reusable bottle with the filtered water that comes from our fridge. Using reusable bottles (to drink water at the very least) is something I have been passionate about for a while. It is something everyone can take part in with no excuses because it is so easy! I practically cringe every time I see a restaurant have styrofoam to-go cups instead of paper ones. It seems so outdated compared to places that are now using compostable to-go containers. I try to convince everyone I see drinking out of a single-use plastic water bottle to conform to using a reusable one. I mean, we drink water everyday, it's not like it's a waste of money. Plus a pink water bottle is much cuter and more personable than a generic bottle of water.