

Laurel Bieschke
"Just a simple-livin' lady trying to do my part to preserve this planet for future generations. "
Points Total
- 0 Today
- 0 This Week
- 704 Total
Participant Impact
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up to12pounds of CO2have been saved
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up to1documentarieswatched
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up to90minutesspent learning
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up to8poundspackaging waste avoided
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up to2plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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up to0poundswaste avoided
Laurel's Actions
Personal Care
Use Plastic-Free Beauty Packaging
I will use beauty products that come in plastic-free packaging, refillable packaging, or I will make my own.
Food
Shop the Bulk Bins
I will purchase 2 products from the bulk section of a grocery store using my own containers.
At Home
Shop Used
I will buy secondhand goods to reduce the demand for new plastic products and avoid packaging.
Personal Care
Buy Reusable Bathroom Products
I will replace my [item] with a reusable [item] in the bathroom (disposable cups, makeup wipes and soap dispensers, etc.).
Personal Care
Practice Low-Waste Hair Care
I will replace my soaps, shampoos, and conditioners with a bar, refillable option, or I will make my own.
At Home
Watch a Documentary
I will watch a documentary film about plastic waste with family and friends and talk about what we learned.
Food
Make Your Own
I will try 1 new recipe(s) or food preparation method(s), such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.
On-the-go
Use Reusable Bags
I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.
Personal Care
Have Waste-Free Periods
I will use a menstrual cup and/or cloth pads instead of a disposable option.
At Home
Avoid Harmful Plastics
I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polyvinyl, polystyrene and polycarbonate (#3,#6 and #7).
Feed
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Reflection QuestionAt Home Watch a DocumentaryWhich documentary did you choose to watch? What did you learn?
Laurel Bieschke 2/08/2021 10:25 AMI chose the Frontline episode "Plastic Wars. It is disturbing to think how much money the plastic industry has spent in false marketing campaigns that have led people to "wishcycle" rather than reduce their consumption. The percentage of "recyclable" goods that can actually be recycled is shockingly low, and I wish they would remove the chasing arrows symbol from packages that aren't actually recyclable. -
Reflection QuestionPersonal Care Practice Low-Waste Hair CareWhat are the economic and personal benefits of switching to bar soap/shampoo/conditioner, refillable bottle options, or making your own?
Laurel Bieschke 2/02/2021 3:45 PMI can definitely get more uses from a bar of shampoo than a bottle, and it feels like there is less build-up so I can go longer without washing. I also think they will be easier to travel with (in their tins) rather than having to measure out the right amount of liquid each time. -
Reflection QuestionFood Make Your OwnHow do you feel about being more involved in the food preparation process? Joyful, overwhelmed, engaged, empowered? What are the benefits of choosing to process or produce your own food instead of buying it pre-processed?
Laurel Bieschke 2/01/2021 5:27 PMAs someone who absolutely sucks at traditional forms of "crafting," I find great creativity in food preparation. It helps me feel empowered rather than feeling bad about not being to practice other forms of self-sufficiency (sewing, woodworking, etc). Food prep is also something that is more accessible for us renters and doesn't depend on having an owed space, yard, etc. -
Laurel Bieschke 1/28/2021 4:33 PMI'm reading a book called "It Starts With The Egg" about how to improve fertility and, sadly, the first couple of chapters are all about BPA and phthalates as hormone disruptors. I knew of this already, but it's a good reminder of how many hidden sources of toxins I interact with on a daily basis :( -
Reflection QuestionFood Shop the Bulk BinsHow has buying bulk impacted the quality of the food you receive? Why do you think our society relies more on prepackaged foods rather than buying in bulk?
Laurel Bieschke 1/28/2021 4:31 PMIt comes down to cost. I shop at my local coop and Aldi, often making a trip to both stores every week. There are more items I'd like to be able to purchase in bulk at the coop, but the deals are so good at Aldi that I find myself making excuses. Sometimes I buy bulk almonds at the coop and use my glass jars; other times I buy a plastic pouch of almonds at Aldi for ½ the price. I wish we have more government-based incentives for making better choices for the environment. -
Reflection QuestionPersonal Care Have Waste-Free PeriodsWhat are the economic and personal benefits of this switch for you?
Laurel Bieschke 1/28/2021 4:27 PMThis economic benefits are huge - natural tampons and pads cost a lot more than mainstream versions, and even those create a ton of waste. This has been an adjustment, for sure, but even if I can keep it up for part of each cycle I will reap tremendous personal and economic benefits. -
Reflection QuestionAt Home Shop UsedWhat kinds of items have been easy for you to find used? What has been hard?
Laurel Bieschke 1/27/2021 5:38 PMI buy the majority of my clothes at thrift stores, but it is really hard to find women's clothes in natural fibers......the majority of what I find is polyester. And, while I would agree that purchasing used is better than creating a new need for polyester, I hate the feel and smell of polyester after going so many years without wearing it. -
Reflection QuestionOn-the-go Use Reusable BagsHow difficult was this action for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Laurel Bieschke 1/24/2021 12:44 PMThis action has been easy since I always keep reusable bags in my car and have plenty at home. Sometimes I have to be quick in letting cashiers know not to bag items up. Drugs stores are the worst - constantly trying to bag up just 1-2 items one could easily carry out by hand. -
Laurel Bieschke 1/23/2021 3:48 PM"Give me matter, and I will construct a world out of it!" - Immanuel Kant. I love stumbling across artists who create their work from recycled goods: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/recycled-art-masterpiece-made-from-junks/. -
Laurel Bieschke 1/23/2021 3:42 PMI'll admit, it has been difficult to sign in every day for this challenge because I am simultaneously challenging myself to a digital detox! I am hopeful that post-pandemic there will be a chance for Hennepin County to offer challenges like this one with more in-person options to connect and discuss ideas.