Inktober Recap & Giveaway!

If you've been following along on social media this month, you've seen my daily Inktober pieces focused on climate change. It's been tough spending every day researching new ways we are poisoning our planet, which is why I wanted to use all that time and effort for something good. I hope we can all commit to making small changes in our lives while working toward large-scale changes in our communities and countries. Pick just one small action you plan to take to combat climate change, share it with me, and be entered to win a selection of this month's Inktober pieces. See all the details--plus suggestions for helpful changes--below!

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"We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly."
-Anne-Marie Bonneau, "Zero Waste Chef"

I hope that quote is as encouraging to you as it is to me. It's easy to look at someone who has committed to producing no plastic waste (how do I get my kids' vitamins? Their medicine??), or to only buying local produce (what do I do when my only local market closes in the winter?), or to only taking public transit (there are no options where I live!) and think--why even bother? I can't achieve that same level in my own life
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But the good news is, we don't have to live those lifestyles perfectly. We only have to do a little bit better, do as much as we feasibly can, to make a difference. For me, this month really highlighted how horrific plastics are to our environment, from bands and netting that animals become entangled in to tiny microplastics that they mistakenly eat. My goal is to reduce my plastic waste more than I already do by mixing more of my cleaning and hygiene products at home, increasing the amount of unpackaged produce I buy, and putting in the extra effort to buy in bulk. I also plan to avoid non-recyclable gift wrap this holiday season, using up what I already have in reserve and using decorated brown craft paper for the rest.

So what do you plan to do in your own life? See the giveaway guidelines below and a list of suggestions!

Giveaway Guidelines

• Comment on my Inktober day 31 post on Instagram or Facebook with at least one action you plan to incorporate into your life to help reduce the effects of climate change. It can be as small (or big!) as you want! You can comment multiple times across all three platforms.
• On November 4th, I will randomly select and announce one winner. That winner will receive a print pack of six of my Inktober pieces from this year. 
• A valid mailing address is required to claim prize. Prints will be made through my local printer and shipped to the winner.
• Open to both US and international entries.

Small-Change Ideas

 Here are some suggestions for little ways you and I can make our lives and homes a little cleaner and greener. When put side by side, this list can seem overwhelming. But that’s just it—you don’t have to do all of them. You only need to choose one, or two.

• Switch out a product that comes in plastic packaging for something you can make at home, such as chocolate syrup, granola bars, or toothpaste.
• When out walking or exercising, bring a bag with you to collect trash you see.
• Set your thermostat to switch off or maintain a more moderate temperature when you’re not at home.
• Plant a section of your yard with local, native plant species. Especially seek out pollinator-friendly plants from your local nursery.
• Capture grey water from your sink when you rinse things without soap—use a milk jug with the top cut off, or a small bucket. Use this water in your garden or houseplants.
• Bike or walk to a frequent destination once a week.
• Follow local and nationwide environmental groups on social media. Comment and like their posts to help with their visibility.
• If you’re at an event or conference, bring your own water bottle and leave the disposable bottles sealed.
• Buy only thrifted clothes for a year.
• Read a book about climate change or stewardship, whether it’s a classic like Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, or a recent release like The Ice by Laline Paull.
• Purchase only local produce.
• When you want to open your windows, turn off your heat or AC to avoid wasting energy.
• Call your senators once a week to encourage them to combat climate change.
• Donate to an environmental charity in someone’s name as a holiday or birthday gift.
• Join a local environmental group.
• Patronize your local businesses rather than relying on giants like Amazon.
• Use recycled craft paper in lieu of non-recyclable gift wrap—you can decorate it however you want!
• Swap out one regular meal or beverage you might eat out and make it at home instead.
• Attend a town council meeting or comment on a local project, whether it’s in support or opposition.
• Resolve not to get to-go beverages in disposable mugs—bring your own re-usable one.
• Participate in a scheduled town or park clean-up.
• Talk to your kids about climate change—listen to what they know about it and how they feel about it. Look for picture books or magazines at your local library.
• Attend an education program at a park, zoo, or environmental center. Become a Junior Ranger (you knew that was coming, right?)

Happy Halloween, and thank you for coming on this journey with me! One crisis at a time!

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No October art round-up this month---it was all Inktober!

What I'm Reading:

Upcoming Events:

• The Everlasting Rose,​ Dhonielle Clayton
  
• Verify, Joelle Charbonneau
• Screen Queens, Lori Goldstein
• Thorn, Intisar Khanani
  
• Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Kwame Mbalia (out lout to my kids)
  

• Saturday, November 9: I will be at YallFest in Charleston, SC as a reader (not a panelist). If you will be there and would like some bookmarks or books signed, let me know!
• Sunday, November 17: Fall Author Showcase, Clemson-Central Public Library, Clemson SC, 3:30-5:30. Come grab copies of the Creatures of Light trilogy for your holiday shopping list!