We are taking our month of declutter to ARC today - 8 boxes, 5 coats... and the room where we gathered all this stuff this month has passed from empty-ready-for-guests to chaos to empty-and-ready-for-guests. Now we can actually have a guest over! Hooray. I know the month isn't quite over, but the daily declutter worked much of the time, and then the catch-up-and-get-it-moved-out day also worked (yesterday's rain was well-timed). Yippee, now it's play time

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! 

Welcome 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! 

So, I've realized I have 3 things I think I can repair and I'm writing this down so I remember, :o), what they are: 1. My favorite Bat Moose pj pants. Bat Moose you wonder - imagine a moose, wearing Batman's tights and wing-logo on his chest, posing in all the superhero poses. I love them. 2. My useful pink turtle neck - not my favorite color but it goes perfectly with a sweater my mom made some 35 years ago - it is like getting a hug from her (alas, she died many years ago), and 3. a terrific pair of walking shoes - soles still good but a tear in the fabric over the toe box. Not sure exactly how to do this (duck tape on the inside??? hmmm), but they are comfy, have a Vibram sole that protects my achy joints... a winner all around.

Things 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.