Sheila Coates
7/29/2022 4:58 PM
Look back to how things used to be--sandwiches wrapped in a towel, dipping sauces in recyclable containers, think of a thermos where you drink or eat out of the cup/lid.
July 1 - July 31, 2022
Blank Park Zoo Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow can you be an advocate for using reusables instead of disposables for the rest of your community? Where are they currently dependent on disposable food packaging or eating utensils, and how can you convince them of the need for change?
Sheila Coates 7/29/2022 4:54 PMMy clients love using real plates and silverware. I'm really surprised that they even noticed the difference. One asked if we could use a tablecloth sometime, since we were "getting so swanky." -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodTake time to reflect or meditate over your plastic-free cup of tea. Share your thoughts and reflections with us here!
Sheila Coates 7/29/2022 4:48 PMI have always used a tea ball w/a loose weave fabric as it's holes are too big. I make a concentrate, then store it in a glass jar. When ready to consume, I add extra water and ice. Sometimes, I add fruit. Yummy!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodWith the added mindfulness of reducing your packaging, what have you noticed about the amount and type of single use plastics used for packaging when you shop in the grocery store?
Amy Servantez 7/29/2022 10:17 AMJust how much plastic is out there and we are using then tossing. We switched this month to try a meal delivery kit Hello Fresh. It comes with recyclable packaging and far less then we would get if it were purchased at the store. Although not the most economical to do all month long, this is something that has helped as well as going bag free if I run to the grocery store or actually remembering to bring a reusable bag -
Amy Servantez 7/29/2022 10:13 AMAlthough I didn't check in as much as I had planned, I was definitely more aware of my consumption of single use plastics. I felt i did pretty well with bringing my reusable water bottle throughout the month and making a huge effort to cook more at home. The area that this challenge brought me more awareness ans an area I would love to keep improving on, is my plastic use when I am away from.home and out of my normal routine. This was especially true when traveling as whether it was convenience or time, the ease of just grabbing a single use was a choice I would make. Going forward I want to continue to look for ways to replace plastics in my home, from using eco sheets for laundry (which are so good smelling!) To my beauty products. When traveling I will look for small steps such as saying no thank you to straws and continue to look for more locally sourced restaurants which often offer great plastic free alternatives -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodSince the restrictions that COVID-19 has required of our society, trying to use your own cup might present new barriers, as well as new opportunities for creative problem solving. How were you able to achieve success on this action? How can you make it a long-term habit?
Rachel Shaffer 7/28/2022 6:14 AMIt's cheaper to make coffee at home than to buy it on the way to work. I have several fun tumblers that I like to put my morning coffee into each morning -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodDo an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some resuable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable?
Rachel Shaffer 7/28/2022 6:12 AMI use microwavable and dishwasher safe tupperware every day to reduce single use plastics. Fresh produce is still stored in a single-use plastic bag, but once food is gone I hold onto the bag and don't use a twist tie to seal the food. If I could find a way to get fresh produce without having to use a plastic bag, that would greatly help -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleWhat is the benefit of using bar soaps or refilling your travel sized containers? Is this an action you think you will keep in your life?
Rachel Summers 7/25/2022 8:00 AMI always use refillable containers for things I use often, particularly when traveling. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodIt is often true that we only have control over our own actions and not the collective community. How can you lead by example when it comes to switching disposables for reusable dishes in your community?
Sheila Coates 7/24/2022 12:04 PMI have a couple people that I prepare meals for. I have been making extra time to spend with them, which includes dish washing. Why not use regular silverware if you're washing anyway??? -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Sheila Coates 7/24/2022 11:57 AMI took in a little basket and put my produce in it, Although the clerk tried to charge me for it (no upc evident--from the $1.25 store,) she easily rang up the veggies without trouble. The container fit in my reusable grocery bag.