Ryan Martinez

This eco-challenge has increased my motivation to incorporate more sustainability efforts in my daily life. Over the past few weeks, I have made it an effort to get in a few walks a week on some of my favorite trails on campus (when they aren't covered in snow). One of the walks I went on last week was actually the day of the full moon, which was really awesome to see. The trail gave an amazing view of the moon coming up just as the sun was setting behind the mountains. Moments like these have helped to increase my appreciation for the nature around me. This appreciation has helped me to be more aware of the prominence of the global pollution issues. It has also helped with my realization that if unified action is not taken, then future generations may not have the luxury of walking on the beautiful trails at New Paltz that, at times, I often take for granted. 

This new eating style has been a huge change for me personally since I am a type of person who likes to multi-task. The mindful eating challenge has allowed me to slow down during the day to really stop and appreciate the food I am putting into my body. In the past, I have been so distracted by my phone while eating that I forget about some of the blessings I have in my life. I have access to cook myself a good quality meal ( I mean with my cooking it's probably not that great) and I have access to clean water which a lot of people don't have in their life. Thus, I have started to appreciate more of the simple things in my life that I normally take for granted when I am distracted. Another thing that this challenge has made me aware of is the ingredients that I am using in my cooking. I am now actually reading more about the nutrition facts on the back of my food to ensure that what I am eating is healthy and is not causing harm to my body.