Photo by Chantal Bilodeau

Hard • 4.5 stars

Length: Thousands of miles
Elevation gain: Variable
Route Type: Point to point

Head out on this off-the-beaten-path trail to Better Future, USA. Generally considered a challenging route, poorly marked in some sections, with lots of muddy patches and rock scrambles, it takes on average several decades to complete. This is not a popular trail so you may feel isolated at times, but you’ll be rewarded with exceptional vistas. Carry bear spray and plenty of water. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Consider posting a review to encourage other hikers to follow.

A YEAR-LONG CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE CLIMATE THROUGH 100-WORD STORIES • WEEK 40

Photo by Chantal Bilodeau

My happy place usually involves woods and a magnificent vista at the top of a mountain. The intensity of the happiness is directly related to how hard it is to get there, to how much I puff, grunt, sweat, and even swear, as I make my way up the trail. Naturally, I take great care in choosing clothes – made from recycled fabrics when possible – that keep me warm and dry. But recently, scientists have found that moisture-wicking fabric can leach forever chemicals that get absorbed through the skin.

…

Great. Now my hiking pants are going to give me cancer.

A YEAR-LONG CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE CLIMATE THROUGH 100-WORD STORIES • WEEK 39

Photo by Rémi Müller on Unsplash

I google “happy climate news” and an article about the Ugliest Lawn Competition, held in Gotland, Sweden, comes up. The purpose of the competition is to make people who are prevented from watering their lawns because of irrigation bans, aware of water shortages. The winner gets a free consultation with an expert gardener about planting native plants instead of a decorative grass lawn. In the first year, the competition helped reduce Gotland’s water consumption by 5% compared to the summer of 2021. This year, the competition has expanded to seven municipalities in Sweden and three in Canada. #worldsugliestlawn

Inspiration: The Ugliest Lawn Competition

A YEAR-LONG CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE CLIMATE THROUGH 100-WORD STORIES • WEEK 38