Jacqueline Van Axen

 When considering purchasing an offset, one should really do research.  Unfortunately, there currently isn’t a lot of regulation for offset companies and as a there also isn’t a lot of transparency with some of the offset program companies that have popped up.  You will want to choose a company that can report accurately it’s offset in measurable quantifiable units.  It is also beneficia if they are endorsed by a reputable third party such as The World Wildlife Foundation, the Environmental Defense fund or certified by organizations such Gold Standard or Green-e.  It’s so important for companies to consider offsetting their carbon emissions.  That said, most experts agree that companies should first consider reducing their emission before moving to offsets as a singular solution. 

 I live in Charleston which is on the coast of South Carolina. Seafood is very much a part of the local culinary culture.  Along the shoreline of Charleston, higher levels of mercury have been found though regular tissue testing.  The department of health advices reduced consumption of many of the species caught locally such as swordfish (one meal per month), Tilefish (one meal per week), and mackerel (one meal per week).  This is very interesting.   I was not aware of these restrictions, and because these species are often locally caught specials, I have probably exceeded the recommended amount many times.  I do not eat meat except fish, and because it’s an important protein source for me, it is easy for me to go over the recommended amounts, especially when I see that it is locally and sustainably caught and served by a local small business. I will definitely keep this in mind going forward and regularly check in on the department of health advisory board.  

I have also learned a lot of practical knowledge from seafoodwatch.org on how to shop sustainably for seafood. There is a lot of useful information on what to look for regarding marketing and what to avoid.  I’m really excited that my local privately owned grocery store only supplies fresh and frozen seafood that is sustainably sourced.  That has been a great resource. 

 I have had many experiences in nature that altered my perspective and focus. This happens frequently when I’m in the ocean.  I love water sports and just being in the Ocean.  It sounds corny but its my church.  I love paddling out and feeling connected to nature.  I think this is a big reason why I strive to reduce the negative impact I have on our waters and nature in general.  I actually get the same sense of peace and well being that I do in the ocean when I am tending my herb garden.  It has been really gratifying to nurture these little cuties.  They are growing so much and when they’re ready to be shorn back I will enjoy cooking with them. 

I learned a lot about the intersection of global warming and gender inequity. The Project Drawdown did a really good job of researching and quantifying the impacts of educating girls on global warming.  To start, when women are educated, they make better decisions not just for themselves, but for their whole families.  It has a rippling effect improving the quality of life for generations to come. It also makes them more equipped to make sustainable choices. Women are also more likely to enact family planning when they are educated. Curbing the growth of human population would have a direct effect on reducing climate change.  Women are also adept at sustainable farming.  Women smallholders are responsible for producing 60% - 80% of food in lower income countries despite having less access to land rights and capital than male farmers.  They do this on less land, so if we close the gap and support women smallholders, we can effectively reduce deforestation.   For this and so many reasons I am passionate about this cause. 

For this challenge, I raised a small amount of funds by attending my neighborhood community meeting.  There is a standing time on the agenda when community members can add any new items.  I shared with the group this project, and said donations are welcome.  It was a small group by together we came up with $50. The company that I work for also has a matching program, so I applied for the matching contribution through our company portal. So, once it is matched it will be $100 donation made through the Drawdown website. I’m also planning to make this my birthday charity of choice on Facebook to continue to raise money to bolster education for girls around the world. 

I have been able to purchase kitchen utensils made of bamboo pretty easily within my community.  When they are not available, I’ve found that there are lots of kitchen utensils available at local thrift stores, and yard sales.  I have also been able to get some from a local Facebook page called “Buy Nothing” where people post items they are discarding for free pickup. I have also been able to buy pillows and mattresses that are made largely from bamboo fibers.  I would like to see more bamboo used instead of single use plastic forks, knives etc. for takeout food. My community is lagging when it comes to ecofriendly takeout utensils.  

My vision of a sustainable community is one with a circular economy that reduces waste to a minimum by sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products as long as possible. This sustainable community would very likely employ Methane digesters as power source.  Methane digesters (aka Anaerobic digestors) are fueled organic matter such as cow manure or food waste that is then heated, thus creating methane.  The methane is then harnessed and converted into electricity. This renewable energy source has many benefits including:  keeping organic matter out of landfills, reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere, creating soil fertilizer as byproduct. The electricity this process yields in impressive.  A small dairy farmer in California is able to power his diary farm, cheese plant and also an additional 300 homes in the community with his methane digester fueled by the manure of his cows.  That is pretty impressive and promising technology for a sustainable future.

I can host clothing swaps, buy clothes from thrift stores, and alter existing garments.  I can also focus on my health and wellness both mentally and physically and not worry so much about clothes and accessories.  I think the pandemic has shifted people’s mindsets anyway, and people are more focused on comfort and authenticity lately than keeping up with the latest trends.  

I am really looking forward to having my windows upgraded. Unfortunately, I cannot have it done for a few weeks due to supply chain disruptions.  However, in the meantime, I have insulated the windows with wintering tape and shrink plastic and I think that is helping to make my home more energy efficient.  Not only is it making me warmer, but it will help to keep my house cooler in the Summer.  This helps me to reach my goal of living more sustainably by lowering the amount of energy I use.