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Welcome to Hennepin County Plastic-Free Challenge!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Hennepin County Plastic-Free Challenge expert in no time!

Hennepin County
Hennepin County Plastic-Free Challenge
February 1 - February 28, 2022
Ken Palar's avatar

Ken Palar

Community Team

Points Total

  • 0 Today
  • 0 This Week
  • 202 Total

Participant Impact

  • up to
    1.4
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • up to
    1.0
    pounds
    packaging waste avoided
  • up to
    9.0
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • up to
    9.0
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • up to
    10
    pieces of litter
    picked up

Ken's Actions

On-the-go

Use Reusables at Work

I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Avoid Harmful Plastics

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

COMPLETED 7
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

Community

Pick Up Plastic Litter

I will pick up 10 piece(s) of plastic litter each day and dispose of it responsibly.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

On-the-go

Use Reusable Bags

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Ditch the Baggie

I will ditch the zippered plastic bags for food storage and switch to reusable containers.

Completed
One-Time Action

Feed

  • Ken Palar's avatar
    Ken Palar 3/07/2022 4:25 AM
    I don't think I learned much, except that my habits have changed. For instance, the few times that I got food out, I tried to not accept disposable plastics (straws, cutlery, etc.) or extra disposables of other material (such as paper/cardboard). It is easy to say "I'll just recycle it if I don't use it", but it really is better to just not take it in the first place. Further, I have tried to think about plastic usage in other areas as well, even if they were not items I had chose for the challenge.
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    On-the-go Use Reusable Bags
    How difficult was this action for you? What made it easy or difficult?
    Ken Palar's avatar
    Ken Palar 2/07/2022 4:37 AM
    Most stores have plastic bags rather than paper, and I reuse plastic store bags for garbage (rather than buying some other bag type). However, it is made easier by going to stores that I know offer paper bags, and by taking along my reusable canvas bag.
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    Food Ditch the Baggie
    When is it hardest not to use a plastic bag? What can motivate you to stick to your goal in those cases?
    Ken Palar's avatar
    Ken Palar 2/07/2022 4:34 AM
    When buying fruit/vegetables at the grocery store - I usually use the "free" plastic bags to keep items bundled. I try to bring in my own containers, but don't always remember
    Read More