Sustainability has been a reoccurring topic on my mind.  Attending the University of Oregon architecture program, which is nationally ranked for sustainable design education, sustainability was part of every day from my lifestyle to my education.  After the new year, I like many others have tried to live my life a little bit better; eating healthier, exercising more, being kinder and putting others before myself.  I decided to also challenge myself in living my life more sustainably in Detroit.

1.)  My first part of this challenge is taking on transportation.  I am lucky to live only a mile and half away from work, and weather permitting I can easily bike to work.  Biking around midtown has its ups and downs, but hopefully as more bikers and more bike lanes arrive it will become easier and safer for all users.  My biking in Detroit is not only to work and home but also to other popular areas of Detroit along major bike routes including the Dequindre cut, the Riverwalk, the recent Michigan Ave and the newly announced Warren Ave which after a nasty tumble is the most exciting news.

2.)  Other ways that I have been trying to live more sustainably is educating myself in what I consume and where it comes from.  Shopping small and shopping local goes beyond those special times of the year in which you look for gifts.  It also includes where you get your produce, clothing and other items.  I have tried to be a smarter consumer in choosing food that is in season to cut back on transportation costs, clothes that are better made which will last longer and buying from consignment stores instead of purchasing new.  For those looking to shop local, I would suggest City Bird.  They have gifts for all who love Michigan, Detroit or just plain adorable gifts.  Check out this Michigan print found on their website, https://www.citybirddetroit.com.

3.) The last sustainable challenge that I have done is a doozy, I have given up coffee and switched to tea.  How does this count towards living more sustainably you may ask?  Well thanks to this handy dandy infographic you can check out the water footprint of many different resources.  It takes about 90 litres of water to produce tea compared to a whopping 840 to produce coffee.  For those making the switch, Socra Tea in Midtown (http://www.socrateadetroit.com), is a tucked away gem that offers a wide range of tea as well as products from local artists including pottery magnets in the shape of Michigan.  Take note all you gift givers, hint hint 🙂

This world belongs to all of us and it’s our responsibility to take care of it and one another.  Won’t you join me in my challenge?