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
-
up to2.4poundsfood waste prevented
-
up to14zero-waste mealsconsumed
-
up to38pounds of CO2have been saved
-
up to16disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
-
up to16plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
-
up to8.0plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
-
up to2.0poundswaste avoided
-
up to136gallons of waterhave been saved
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.
Feed
-
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!
-
-
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?
-
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!
-
-
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!