Mary Nieting
2/28/2023 2:13 PM
I have been using my trash bag from the bathroom to scoop my kitty litter into to reduce my bag usage.
Mary Nieting
Points Total
- 0 Today
- 0 This Week
- 500 Total
Participant Impact
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up to12zero-waste mealsconsumed
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up to1.8pounds of CO2have been saved
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up to0.4poundspackaging waste avoided
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up to2.0plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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up to5.0minutesspent learning
Mary's Actions
At Home
Reuse Trash Bags Instead of Purchasing New
I will reuse existing bags such as pet food bags, grocery bags, or online shopping bags instead of buying new bags to line my trash containers.
On-the-go
Assemble a Zero Waste Kit
I will assemble and/or use a to-go bag with cloth napkins and reusable utensils, containers, and cups to avoid disposable to-go containers and cutlery for 2 of my household members.
Community
Estimate Your Plastic Footprint
I will complete a plastic consumption calculator to learn about my plastic footprint.
Personal Care
Purchase Alternative Toothpaste
I will purchase toothpaste powder or toothpaste tabs in plastic-free packaging, or I will make my own!
Food
Cook Meals with Zero Plastic Waste
I will prepare 2 meal(s) at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.
Food
Shop the Bulk Bins
Each trip to the grocery store I will purchase 2 products from the bulk section using my own containers.
At Home
Plastic-Free Caffeine Routine
I will cut single-use plastics out of my morning drink by switching to reusable coffee pods, tea infusers, and bulk beans or tea leaves.
At Home
Plan a Garden
I will plan an herb or vegetable garden for next year at my home, workplace, or community garden.
At Home
Avoid Harmful Plastics
I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polyvinyl, polystyrene and polycarbonate (#3,#6 and #7).
Food
Take out containers
I will bring reusable take-out containers to restaurants to bring my leftovers home.
Feed
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Reflection QuestionAt Home Reuse Trash Bags Instead of Purchasing NewWhat are some of the challenges or benefits you have experienced using reused bags instead of a bag purposely designed to hold trash?
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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?
Mary Nieting 2/22/2023 1:45 PMThe beans I make from dried taste way better than the canned beans I had been buying. But I think that there is a convenience factor to prepackaged foods. I know have an instantpot, but when I used to cook my beans on the stove they took forever and usually weren't as good as canned. Now I just plan out a few meals that will have beans and it is so easy to make them. But if you don't have an instantpot, I would think there would be less motivation.
I think people in general rely on the convenience of prepackaged foods. I am more likely to eat prepackaged foods if they come in compostable containers and wrappers. Then I feel less guilt over not cooking. -
Reflection QuestionAt Home Plastic-Free Caffeine RoutineHow has removing your single-use plastics impacted your caffeine routine?
Mary Nieting 2/21/2023 8:48 AMI have a more regular routine now. Each night either myself or my boyfriend sets up the coffeemaker for the next day. Since I am not letting myself use disposable cups, I don't tempt myself by going to coffeeshops and only drink the coffee I make at home. I am even buying my beans in bulk and grinding them at the store. I think that if I really want a latte for a coffeeshop, I should visit at a time where I can sit there and drink the coffee in one of their reusable mugs. This would make it even more of a treat. -
Mary Nieting 2/17/2023 11:48 AMI wasn't feeling great today, so I found it harder to avoid plastic. I didn't have it in me to cook breakfast, so that had me going to my local co-op for a smoothie. It came in a compostable cup, but I still didn't use the opportunity to use a reusable container. I have also run into the challenge of finding places that will fill my reusable container with coffee, some places says it is not hygienic and not aligned with health code standards. -
Reflection QuestionPersonal Care Purchase Alternative ToothpasteCurrently, most of the packaging for toothpaste is plastic. What has been your experience using plastic-free toothpaste options? How can you advocate for more alternatives through your purchasing power and influence in community?
Mary Nieting 2/14/2023 9:46 AMI added this goal because I am open to using plastic free toothpaste and think it would be an easy swap. -
Reflection QuestionCommunity Estimate Your Plastic FootprintWhat did you find out about your plastic consumption by using the calculator? What did or didn't surprise you?
Mary Nieting 2/14/2023 9:45 AMThis really helped me think about where I am using plastic and where I can reduce it. I use the most plastic in the kitchen, but rarely when going out to eat. Mostly it is that I buy food (tofu, frozen veggies) that are in plastic. I am working to purchase more in bulk and that can extend to bathroom products, especially toothpaste and shampoo. -
Reflection QuestionAt Home Plan a GardenBesides having access to fresh herbs and vegetables, what benefits will you see from growing your own garden?
Mary Nieting 2/10/2023 7:22 AMI have had my own garden for the last several years. I find it to be a relaxing way to connect to my food and to make me excited to eat healthy and local. I am always amazed by how much I can grow and am always excited at the first few crops that come in! I think I get more creative in my cooking when I garden, it inspires me more than just visiting a store of even a farmers market. -
Reflection QuestionFood Cook Meals with Zero Plastic WasteDo an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some low-waste or reusable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable? Are there any items where it would be difficult to avoid plastic waste?
Mary Nieting 2/03/2023 12:23 PMI eat a number of ready made meals that contain plastic. We well as frozen veggies. It is for convenience. I am learning to meal prep to cut down on this.