Sheila Prior

The challenge went well. I have adopted some new habits that I would not have adopted if the challenge hadn't motivated me make some switches. However, while I feel like every little bit helps, I am also aware of how much I cannot control regarding plastic use. I wonder if Hennepin county would consider the role of a robust composting program for promoting the use of compostable plastics in situations where plastic is really useful. For example, it's very difficult to conceive of an efficient and sanitary replacement for dog waste bags or raw meat packaging. If there was an easy way to compost plant-based, biodegradable plastic, it would allow companies and consumers to make a permanent switch to plant-based plastic without worrying about the effects this plant-based plastic would have in a landfill where it would create methane as it decomposes. I applaud the county for promoting composting at home; I have two bins, but they don't work well for plant-based plastic. I also know the county is requiring trash companies to offer composting to their customers by 2022. Again, I applaud that. But I hope eventually the county will consider offering composting the same way they offer recycling, and someday require local companies to use plant-based plastic when possible. I appreciate how environmentally conscious Hennepin County leadership has been. Please keep it up and continue to work toward a more equitable and sustainable future! Thank you!

Have you ever experienced unnecessary packaging or plastic use at a grocery store, restaurant, etc? A local Plymouth resident, Rachel Kemp, just made a free app that she shared with our Plymouth Mom's facebook group. It helps you send emails to businesses when you'd like to ask them to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. I haven't used it yet, but I've downloaded it and will give it a try. I wanted to share it here in case others are interested. https://remark.eco/

I was disappointed to discover that the liquid-free laundry detergent sheets I bought  (that came in a box), used a plastic container to hold the sheets inside the box! Sometimes you just can't win. But I'll keep trying!

Today I bought bamboo toothbrushes for the whole family. It was difficult finding ones without nylon bristles.

Today I used my Ovbrn brush for pet hair and it was SOOOO much better than using disposable lint rollers. It has a self-cleaning base, so it collects the pet hair, which I can then put into my compost bin. Making new habits can be a challenge, but in this case it was actually easier to use the reusable brush and it was a huge improvement!