It is definitely therapy, as it brings on a calming effect. Especially when the sun is shining and you are surrounded by trees, water, or singing birds. Just noting all the sights, sounds and smells takes you away---akin to reading a book, where you escape into another world. The feeling grounds you and makes you appreciate life.

Surprisingly, this action was easier to do than spending 30 minutes outside in nature! I was able to hold back purchases if I felt it wasn't needed. The biggest purchases I did want to do but held out for this month was actually stocking up on my sustainable products (such as my bamboo toothbrush heads, organic/biodegradable gum, and new Beeswax wraps). I don't usually spend on things that I want unless it really gives me that "spark joy" that is mentioned in one of the articles for this action. Most of my spending happens with food or treats that I may impulse buy. But maybe I can learn to curb those temptations for the sake of the planet!

This site gives great insight of consumer behaviour in Canada: https://www.statista.com/topics/10493/consumer-behavior-in-canada/#topicOverview. As for me, I think I am part of the privileged capitalist consumer in these stats, thus affecting the health of wildlife and other communities without even realizing it.

In the past, I have completed a funded awareness campaign project, advocating for proper waste sorting management on campus. That is definitely one domain in which I gravitate towards, but I am also interested in researching and protesting against corporations who are heavily contributing to the climate crisis.

I cook a lot in my home and I have optimized my process of cooking by changing the order of things and space on the pan etc. I am becoming more and more conscious of how much energy I use a day. I'll start tackling light bulbs soon!