Tami Boardman

The Northwest Earth Institute inspires people to take responsibility for the Earth by creating engaging, affordable discussion guides for small group conversation. DEA has held several discussion groups on site, leading to new friendships and renewed commitments to live more sustainably.

This year, my EcoChallenge is to get out of the car. I will use only human-powered transportation (my legs and my bike) from Oct. 1-15. And, as an added challenge, during the EcoChallenge, I'll source the majority of my food from regional and local farmers and limit meat consumption to twice a week.

I hope you will consider supporting the EcoChallenge this year through a tax-deductible donation. 100% of your donation will go toward the Northwest Earth Institute’s programming.

Or, if you are so inspired, I invite you to take on your own EcoChallenge!

Thank you,
Tami

My EcoChallenge Blog

October 7th, 2011

As a reward for my ecochallenge commitment, I made an appointment at The Massage Clinic for one hour of pure bliss under the able hands of a trained masseuse. Channel 8 weatherman Matt Zaffino said Friday would be dry, but when I got up at 7 it was definitely not dry. No matter. I was determined to bike to my appointment. At 8:30 someone from the clinic called and said my masseuse had called in sick. Yin and yang. No massage, but no riding through the rain. I waited until 10 when the drizzle dried up to ride to Multnomah Village to get a birthday present for my Dad’s wife, Leona, and send it off in time for her birthday on Tuesday. I wanted to buy her Bel Canto, one of my favorite books. While at Annie Bloom’s, the sales clerks were talking about the protest in downtown Portland yesterday – how it’s about time the average citizen stood up for the average citizen… Then I went to Sweets to buy Leona some homemade pumpkin fudge (she has a sweet tooth). One of the owners helped me pick out a few other flavors (buy 4, get 2 free…). He said business was booming, for which I am glad. It’s a great candy store. Then I went across the street to Fibers in Motion to pick up some cotton batting (making potholders), and ended up getting some more fabric and a new pattern. While there, a young man came into the store and asked the owner if she would be interesting in selling some of his wares. I didn’t’ get a chance to see what he was selling. Only heard him say that times were tough and he was trying to make a living. After he left, she and I got to talking about the village and the influx of big businesses (insurance companies, banks) and her fear that her rent will go up because of it and it will become like NW 23rd. I share her fears. On my way past the new garden store in the village I spotted a pillow that reminded me of my daughter: plain muslin with a black trim and a crown silkscreened on it, bejeweled with rhinestones. I had to buy it. When checking out, I noticed on the counter a small milk carton, a slot cut into it, and an appeal to donate money to seniors in need of food. I shoved a buck in the hole and the owner was so appreciative. I felt sheepish. It was a buck, and here I was buying my daughter a completely frivolous gift. The owner of the store said that she thinks it’s a problem that people don’t see – seniors without enough to eat. My loot barely fit into the one pannier I took (thinking it would be a light trip). Walked my bike to the post office and mailed the birthday package. All in all, a satisfying trip, but a little disconcerting. It really felt good to support local businesses, but I worry about the village and I worry about the people in our country who cannot find jobs.

October 6th, 2011

I got in a car yesterday. Didn't think twice about it. Yesterday morning, got up, downed a cup of coffee, took the dog for a short walk, and rode my bike to work. Pretty much the usual routine. About 2 hours into the morning my daughter calls and asks me if I want to join her for breakfast. Of course I jumped at the chance to spend some time with her. She said, "I'll pick you up." I said, "OK." No thought given to the EcoChallenge. So 20 minutes later she picks me up, we drive up to Lair Hill Market, find a table and order our coffee. She tells me about her week and I share with her that I'm doing the EcoChallenge again - only using human powered transportation. It only took "that look" from her for me to realize that I had just hopped in a car (albeit a Prius) and rode up the hill with her. Wow. Talk about a complete lack of mindfulness. Oh well - we had a good laugh over it. I'll do better from here on out! :-)

October 4th, 2011

Monday, October 3rd. Up late (5:00 a.m.), but got to work on time. Airborne is a miracle cure. Three doses yesterday and I was able to ride in this morning with little trouble. I do have to do something about raingear though. Met a coworker in the elevator who also rode in. He was wearing rubber pants. “They keep you completely dry, but you sweat like crazy,” he said. I don’t consider sweating like crazy dry. So I broke down and ordered Gore Tex raingear yesterday – expensive, but cheaper than a car payment. The ride home was enlightening. I have this nemesis. It’s the tail end of Landcaster hill right before Stephenson – nearly the end of my ride home. It’s a deceiving hill. Not steep, but a relentless climb. No matter what I do, my lungs nearly explode before I get to the crest – until yesterday. I decided to sit straight up on my bike (and let gravity do the work) – it seemed to open up my lungs and deliver more energy to my legs. Stalwart cyclists probably know this trick, but it is new to me. I now face my nemesis with renewed confidence. Thanks EcoChallenge!

October 3rd, 2011

2011 EcoChallenge Saturday, October 1st. I was all ready to go down to the local bike shop to pick up some rain gear when I remembered that I couldn’t just hop in the car and drive three miles to Lake Oswego because I’d committed to using only human-powered transportation for the next 15 days. After riding to and from work all week (logging 68 miles) the last thing I wanted to do was to sit in the bike saddle for another hour. So I made do with my water “resistant” gear. I’m pretty sure “water resistant” means “prepare to get wet.” We were invited to Bonnie and Steve’s for dinner Saturday night. Thankfully they live about a mile away, so contemplating that walk was easy – a good way to work off the Autumn Galettes they were making and the inevitable overconsumption of red wine. Problem was we were on deck to make a salad and didn’t have the ingredients. Usually I’m the one in the family who does the shopping while Mike cleans the house or grades papers. Supportive as usual of my cockamamie schemes (this one being the EcoChallenge), Mike said, “No problem! Just give me the shopping list.” What he didn’t realize was that provisions were needed from Trader Joe’s (they have the best feta cheese), Fred Meyer (they have the best cat litter), and New Seasons (they have the best coffee). He also wanted to go to Home Depot for a solar-powered floodlight (our dog doesn’t like to pee in the dark). Add one more trip to Home Depot to return the flood light (made in China – didn’t work), and he was behind the wheel for five hours. He finally returned home, eyes glazed and muttering something about feeling like he was living episode of The Twilight Zone. The evening walk to the Altshuld’s for dinner Saturday night made us feel pretty shomer shabbos (the Orthodox don’t work or operate machinery on the Sabbath). Of course, we worked all day, which is hardly shomer on shabbos, but you do what you can, right? Dinner was lovely and the walk home in the dark was invigorating. We both fell into bed at 11. Sunday, October 2nd. I woke with a cough and felt like my limbs were filled with lead. I downed a dose of Airborne and shuffled around the house all day in my sweats and slippers. I managed to finish a baby cap I was knitting and start another hat, only to tear it apart and start again. I watched the Seahawks almost win (thankfully I had fallen asleep before they missed their game winning field goal). Mike forewent his Sunday Night Football gathering to stay home and make Chicken Matzo Ball soup for me. In by with book by 7:00.

Comments

From: Ken Wightman

Have fun with Tami and be careful coming down the hills. You know if you harvest a deer in Tryon Creek Park it won't count against you.

From: Michael Tevlin

Good luck! Here's a great place to get local veggies (from my son!) http://cullyneighborhoodfarm.org/

From: John Lyman

Go Tami!

From: Susan Neben

Go Tami, on your eco-challenge! That's great what you're doing! Bruce & Susan

From: Cindi Polychronis

Tami, It is very cool that you are doing this. Good luck! Cindi

From: bonnie j boon altshuld

You go girl!

From: Michael Boardman

:-)

From: Stacey Ho

Good luck in your challenge Tami.

From: Mike Mercer

Yo Tami, Nice job in hitting your goal. Have a great time with the challenge and looking forward seeing you and Mike tomorrow night. Mike

(back to list of individuals)

My EcoChallenge(s)

Sustainable Food Options

Alternative Transportation

My Fundraising Goal

$400

My Pledge Tally

$400

My Pledgers

• Ruth Webster
• Ken Wightman
• Michael Tevlin
• ellen lippman
• John Lyman
• Susan Neben
• Cindi Polychronis
• bonnie j boon altshuld
• Michael Boardman
• Stacey Ho