Anne Richards
5/19/2021 2:58 PM
Forgetting it! Ha what I think I might do is find a collapsible silicon cup or something in case I need water and can find a water fountain or water filler station.
Anne Richards
"I am to continually learn, grow, and inspire for a more sustainable and waste free future."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 556 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO16disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO136gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO16plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO8.0plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO2.4poundsfood waste prevented
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UP TO2.0poundswaste avoided
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UP TO38pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO14zero-waste mealsconsumed
Anne's actions
Week 4 Focus: Reduce and Reuse
Extend the Life of Electronics
I will resist marketing that says phones should be replaced every year and delay replacing my smart phone for 3 years.
Community
Share My Actions
I will make my low-waste actions visible by posting to my social media networks.
On-the-go
Use Reusable Water Bottles
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
On-the-go
Use A Reusable Mug or Collapsible Cup
I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own collapsible cup.
On-the-go
Skip the Straw
I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.
Food
Plant a Garden
I will plant an herb or vegetable garden at my home or community garden.
Food
Zero-Waste Cooking
I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero waste each day.
Belongings
Buy Used Clothes
I will buy 10 items of clothing at second-hand stores when I shop instead of buying them new.
Belongings
Needs vs. Wants
I will adopt a "Needs vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.
At Home
Skip the Dryer Sheets
I will replace dryer sheets with a reusable alternative or use nothing at all.
Participant Feed
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
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Anne Richards 5/24/2021 1:19 PMFor this week, I was happy to see that extending the life of my electronics is something I have already been doing! (Mainly for cost savings but it's a win-win). My personal favorite website to purchase refurbished electronics is BackMarket.com. Also, I have had two shattered screens and I highly recommend this company Don't Ditch It, Fix It here in Hennepin County. Also, if you are in the market for a new phone case, Pela has compostable phone cases and accessories!-
Jennifer Booth 5/27/2021 6:05 AMGood to know! Thanks for sharing!
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Anne Richards 5/24/2021 1:17 PMWelcome to week 4! Our last week - thank you ALL For your commitment to this team and the environment! I have already learned a lot and it has been great to have you all as resources to share ideas and tips. For this week, I was happy to see that extending the life of my electronics is something I have already been doing! (Mainly for cost savings but it's a win-win). My personal favorite website to purchase refurbished electronics is BackMarket.com. Also, I have had two shattered screens and I highly recommend this company Don't Ditch It, Fix It here in Hennepin County. Also, if you are in the market for a new phone case, Pela has compostable phone cases and accessories! -
Anne Richards 5/21/2021 8:53 AMThings are going well! Things that have been relatively easy: 1) buying second hand - there are great stores here in Mpls (Buffalo exchange, Arc, goodwill) and online (thredUP, rent the runway); and 2) not using plastic bottles (I love my hydra flask!). Things that have been hard 1) remembering to ask for no straw in cocktails etc./to go silverware if the company still uses them; and 2) food packaging and buying bulk. I have a feeling I will be continually practicing to get better even after this challenge is over. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONOn-the-go Use Reusable Water BottlesCan you think of any scenarios where using your own bottle is harder? How can you make sure not to get a disposable bottle in that case?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONOn-the-go Skip the StrawHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Anne Richards 5/19/2021 2:56 PMYes! The cafe down the block had straws and just last week they switched to the sip covers. What I liked most about this, was that it was a clear business move that they didn’t need to market or share widely. It just felt so normal and a usual change now. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity Share My ActionsIn what ways is social media an effective tool for sharing your values?
Anne Richards 5/19/2021 2:54 PMI get to share tips and tricks that I have found useful! I also get to learn and share about others who have similar values and their tips and tricks. -
Anne Richards 5/19/2021 2:43 PMHi everyone! I’d love to hear how you reduce waste when you’re on the go. I now carry a pack of aluminum straws (because I mostly get coffee/drinks while out). I also always carry a few reusable bags, never know when I’ll need them. Share your ideas in reply, looking forward to learning some more ways!-
Amy Maas 5/20/2021 10:46 AMI keep a to-go bag handy: it has straws, utensils, cups, plates and a couple of storage containers in it. I grab it whenever I think I may purchase food while I'm out. We also have just a few napkins and spare plastic utensils in our car center console for emergencies!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Zero-Waste CookingIn North America, up to 65% of food waste happens at the consumer level. Chef Steven Satterfield advocates for utilizing every part of a vegetable. How can you incorporate using an entire vegetable, including the skins, tops, and stalks during your next meal prep?
Anne Richards 5/19/2021 2:41 PMGreat question! I have learned how to more effectively cut the vegetables so there is minimal or zero waste after. Especially peppers! Also, saving the scraps from the veggies and making a stock/soup base, is a great way too. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Plant a GardenBesides having access to fresh herbs and vegetables, what benefits will you see from growing your own garden?
Anne Richards 5/19/2021 2:38 PMI’m looking forward to having a way to unwind after the day, pruning but also looking at the way things are growing! Bringing some color and greenery on to my balcony ☺️ -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBelongings Needs vs. WantsHow is creativity necessary for practicing simplicity and adopting a needs vs. wants mindset?
Anne Richards 5/11/2021 8:45 AMVery important - I have also learned that planning is very important in adopting this. There is a reflection period that takes time and effort in reviewing what you currently have, want, and need. It has helped me to do this one this: when I want to buy something that isn't a household necessity (like food, etc), I pause and take about 30 min to a day to pause and stop the spontaneous purchasing. Often, I find that I don't end up buying it!