Annie Deutsch

Plastic Free Champions

"Buy less, bike more, and compost"

Points Total

0 Today
0 This Week
1,023 Total

Participant Impact

up to

5.0

pounds of CO2

have been saved
up to

22

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
up to

1.4

pounds

packaging waste avoided
up to

1.0

documentaries

watched
up to

90

minutes

spent 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.

COMPLETED 19
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Avoid Harmful Plastics

I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polyvinyl, polystyrene and polycarbonate (#3,#6 and #7).

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Pets

Buy Bulk Kitty Litter

I will purchase bulk cat litter where I can refill and keep using the same container.

Completed
One-Time Action

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.

Completed
One-Time Action

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.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

Completed
One-Time Action

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.

Completed
One-Time Action

At Home

Watch a Documentary

I will watch a documentary film about plastic waste with family and friends and talk about what we learned.

Completed
One-Time Action

Feed

Annie Deutsch 2/28/2023 3:09 PM

This 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.

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Annie Deutsch 2/27/2023 7:16 PM

If 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.

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Annie Deutsch 2/26/2023 6:54 PM

Sometimes 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.

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Reflection Question
At Home Swap Sponges for Longer Lasting Reusable Options

What are some benefits you've noticed with your reusable cleaning items?

Annie Deutsch 2/26/2023 6:50 PM

A 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.

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Reflection Question
On-the-go Visit a packaging-free store

Did 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 PM

Finally 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.

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Annie Deutsch 2/24/2023 7:09 PM

I like when products show what parts of the packaging can be recycled. I usually try to find a different brand where all of it can be recycled or try to buy it in bulk if it’s not too expensive.

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Annie Deutsch 2/23/2023 5:32 PM

I 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.

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Annie Deutsch 2/22/2023 7:15 PM

I’ve been enjoying the Hennepin Country Recycling Ambassador program. We can all do better to make sure that we’re putting things in the trash that can be composted or recycled.

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Annie Deutsch 2/21/2023 8:28 AM

I 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!

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Annie Deutsch 2/20/2023 8:05 PM

I brought my reusable container to brunch when I remembered this particular restaurant does not have compostable take-out container options. I love that it folds up, so it’s easy to throw in a purse or bag.

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