

Annie Deutsch
"Buy less, bike more, and compost"
Points Total
- 0 Today
- 0 This Week
- 1,023 Total
Participant Impact
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up to5.0pounds of CO2have been saved
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up to22disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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up to1.4poundspackaging waste avoided
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up to1.0documentarieswatched
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up to90minutesspent learning
Annie's Actions
Community
Social Media Outreach
I have a little Instagram account where I share a lot about my outdoor adventures, cooking at home, biking for transportation, and eco-friendly lifestyle. I've been posting 1 daily plastic-free or eco-friendly swap that I have done or am challenging myself to do, in my Instagram stories. I have a small following, but I think it's important to use our voices on the platforms we do have.
Food
Focus on Plastic Free Produce & Animal Protein
I will buy at least one produce item and one protein item weekly that isn't wrapped in plastic from the grocery store. The stores closest to me basically have all their veggies wrapped in plastic or in a plastic container. But I do have other store options, and I'm challenging myself to be a little more conscience about finding other options.
At Home
Avoid Harmful Plastics
I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polyvinyl, polystyrene and polycarbonate (#3,#6 and #7).
Pets
Buy Bulk Kitty Litter
I will purchase bulk cat litter where I can refill and keep using the same container.
On-the-go
Visit a packaging-free store
I will visit a co-op or zero waste store to check out my local options for bulk products and plastic-free items.
On-the-go
Use A Reusable Mug or Collapsible Cup
I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own collapsible cup.
Food
Skip Single-Use Plastic for Freezing Food
I will use reusable containers when freezing food and opt for glass or metal when purchasing new containers.
At Home
Swap Sponges for Longer Lasting Reusable Options
I will ditch the sponge and use a reusable or compostable option such as a brush, scrubber or dishrag instead.
At Home
Watch a Documentary
I will watch a documentary film about plastic waste with family and friends and talk about what we learned.
Feed
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Annie Deutsch 2/28/2023 3:09 PMThis month went by so fast! I'm proud of myself for trying new ways to reduce plastic, and the opportunity to do this through work. I know I'll continue with making more eco-friendly choices, and will find even more swaps to make in the future. -
Annie Deutsch 2/27/2023 7:16 PMIf you don’t live near a place that has bulk options for home/personal care products, finding items in aluminum or glass containers is a great alternative to plastic. Target now Carrie’s Grove Co, which uses aluminum containers. It’s cool to see sustainable materials at mainstream stores. -
Annie Deutsch 2/26/2023 6:54 PMSometimes you have to go out of your way to recycle/compost things but it’s worth it. Our neighborhood taco place uses commercially compostable containers, but they only have trash and recycling as options for customers. My partner and I, put our used napkins in our containers, and brought the containers home to our organics recycling bin. It may take a bit more planning and transportation for the items to make it to the right bins, but I think the extra step is worth it. -
Reflection QuestionAt Home Swap Sponges for Longer Lasting Reusable OptionsWhat are some benefits you've noticed with your reusable cleaning items?
Annie Deutsch 2/26/2023 6:50 PMA year or so ago, I bought some kitchen scrubbers that were a good choice because they had cotton woven in them, which is a sustainable material. Upon further investigation, I realized the cotton was woven over the plastic. My current plastic scrub brush is still going strong and I won’t throw it out until it goes bad. But when it goes bad, I will buy the eco friendly scrub brush I saw at Tare yesterday. -
Reflection QuestionOn-the-go Visit a packaging-free storeDid you find anything at the store that you didn't expect? What was it, and did you find it useful?
Annie Deutsch 2/25/2023 5:48 PMFinally had the chance to check out Tare Market. They had some fun options and gave me inspiration for more eco friendly swaps to make in the future. -
Annie Deutsch 2/24/2023 7:09 PM -
Annie Deutsch 2/23/2023 5:32 PMI can’t believe this challenge is almost over! I’ve learned so much and have been challenged to try new things to reduce the amount of plastic I use, which I love. -
Annie Deutsch 2/22/2023 7:15 PM -
Annie Deutsch 2/21/2023 8:28 AMI just wanted to give a shoutout to local business, Repair Lair, on East Lake street in Minneapolis. They specialize in second hand outdoors/sporting goods, as well as quality repairs on the gear that needs to be mended. I know it's cliché, but "they don't make things like they used to." I found a hiking backpack at a thrift store that was probably from the 90's/00's and I was devastated when the strap broke. I tried to find another backpack, but the quality of modern goods was no match for this trusty backpack. Repair Lair fixed up the backpack for me and I'll have many more years with it. I've also gotten repair tape to fix a hole in a puffer jacket, and my duffel bag from 2006 is currently being sewn back together there. It feels good to repair and use what we already have instead of always buying new things, and driving consumer demand. I highly recommend this local shop! You might see a cute shop doggo in back as well. I don't believe the dog runs the sewing machines, but I could be wrong! -
Annie Deutsch 2/20/2023 8:05 PM