Prior to our latest round trip drive to Washington, DC, I took my hybrid to the dealer and had my tire pressure checked, and subsequently, my tires inflated. Turns out I had one of the highest miles per gallon - 40 - in mountainous conditions. The morale of the story: check your tire pressure before a long driving trip. Properly inflated tires help maximize gas efficiency.

It was so great to join with my community to do this!

I really appreciate learning about this challenge this year. I would like to make it more of a priority next year. I think it is a great way to learn and keep this in the forefront of my mind, where it belongs! At first I was worried it would be too much of a time commitment, but I found out it is not. Next year I would like to make it more of a routine to check in often (daily) and make it a regular part of my day.

Participating in the ecochallenge has made more aware of waste, amount of plastics in our daily lives, and the importance of protecting our natural resources. Growing up on a farm there were many ways my family (parents/grandparents) routinely practiced conservation. Not because it was popular or due to a challenge. It was in order to survive.

I will be less likely to walk and bike as it gets colder... unless I choose to be a 4 season-er :\.

I went one place and I walked there. No need for driving today.

The Great Pumpkins Arrive at Jeffrey Mansion tomorrow. Two pick-up truck loads of pumpkins, gourds and squash will be re-purposed from the Franklin Park Conservatory's "Pumpkins Aglow" to the Mansion. The Bexley Bloomers will use the pumpkins to decorate the urns, entries and special nooks with these secondhand pumpkins. Thanks to Elizabeth's help last year, at the end of November, we were able to dispose of these orange icons in an environmentally friendly way. No more dumping the October/November decor in the Jeffrey Mansion forest. A Win-Win-Win. Thanks to FPC, Bloomers and Elizabeth!

We still have hardcopies of newspapers delivered. The Sunday comics always are good for a laugh. However, they also make excellent wrapping paper for gifts for any holiday and occasion. The bright colors and oversize sheets create a festive looking gift. Plus, the recipient always starts to read one of the comic strips before ripping off the paper. A terrific way to recycle newsprint -- twice.