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Anna Flanagan's avatar

Anna Flanagan

Niron Magnetics

"I am committed to embracing a low-buy year, challenging myself to minimize consumption, reduce waste, and prioritize sustainable choices in order to contribute to a healthier planet."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 758 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    42
    zero-waste meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    76
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    0.7
    pounds
    waste avoided
  • UP TO
    2.8
    pounds
    packaging waste avoided
  • UP TO
    20
    minutes
    spent learning

Anna's actions

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.

COMPLETED 21
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Stop Buying Water

I will stop buying water and instead use water from the tap or invest in a water filter if water quality is a concern.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

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

Food

Buy Unpackaged Produce

I will avoid 5 plastic bags each shopping trip by not bagging my produce or using reusable produce bags.

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Choose Natural Clothing Fibers

I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, acrylic or spandex.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

WASH COLD, LINE DRY

I will wash my clothing in cold water and hang it to dry to reduce the amount of microplastic shedding and to prolong the life of my garments.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

Plastics 101

Know the Numbers

The numbers #1-7 on plastics tell us a lot and can help us be better recyclers. I will learn more about what the symbols on plastics mean.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Make Your Own

I will try a new recipe or food preparation method, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Extend the Life of Electronics

Manufacturers want you to replace your phones every year. I will keep my phone for at least 3 years and make any necessary repairs or updates to keep it functioning as long as possible.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    What maintenance steps do you take to keep your electronics in good working order?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/28/2025 3:49 PM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    Mostly disassembling and cleaning / dusting / changing filter or descaling (humidifier, coffee maker, water heater, steamer).

    • Lisa Hirst Carnes's avatar
      Lisa Hirst Carnes 2/28/2025 8:27 PM
      • 19-DAY STREAK
      Regular digital hygiene for my electronics. Things like updating your iOS, clearing out old contacts, removing apps that you never use. Don't let your stuff get bloated.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    Do 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?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/28/2025 3:44 PM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    I can't substitute some of the international products that come in plastic packaging with local bulk items (like fresh italian pasta). not the same taste. Also, most of the cheeses come in plastic packaging to preserve the freshness. until we develop new sustainable packaging to preserve the quality of long-distance shipped food products some of the plastics are here to stay:(

    • Lisa Hirst Carnes's avatar
      Lisa Hirst Carnes 2/28/2025 8:29 PM
      • 19-DAY STREAK
      If you live near Lake & Grand Wine Shop, they have pretty decent bulk pasta. But, yes, I feel your pain. If you want a little block of Reggiano parmesan, it's mostly likely going to be wrapped in plastic.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    Why do you think these products have so much plastic packaging? Who is the plastic packaging really serving -- the consumer, the producer, or someone else?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/28/2025 3:36 PM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    its more convenient for everybody. but convenience is not always a solution.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    How do you tackle hang drying clothes during cold winter months?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/28/2025 3:33 PM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    Got a drying rack for $12 in IKEA. Made of steel, not plastic. Works great, take zero space when stored.

    • Sarah Marotz 's avatar
      Sarah Marotz 2/28/2025 4:57 PM
      • 28-DAY STREAK
      I mounted a hanging rack on the wall of my laundry room. Folds up when I'm not using it. Wish I'd done this years ago!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    What are the benefits (to people, animals, and the environment) of purchasing clothes made with natural fibers?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/28/2025 3:29 PM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    Natural fabrics (besides feeling luxurious) are healthier for the skin, and natural fibers tend to regulate body temperature better than synthetic ones, keeping you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and make you sweat less:)

    The production of natural fibers tends to have a lower carbon footprint than synthetic fibers, which are made from fossil fuels (looking at you, polyester). Growing plants like cotton and flax (linen), or raising animals like sheep for wool, or harvesting silk, typically produces fewer greenhouse gases than producing synthetic fabrics.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    How do you feel about being more involved in the food preparation process? Joyful, overwhelmed, engaged, empowered? What are the benefits of choosing to process or produce your own food instead of buying it pre-processed?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/26/2025 1:32 PM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    I started brewing my own kombucha at home. Just finished my first batch. I plan on trying different recipes and brewing times and not to kill the scoby:)

    • Krina Damien's avatar
      Krina Damien 2/26/2025 2:12 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • 28-DAY STREAK
      I can be a good taste tester if you need one! ;)
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    What are the hardest scenarios for you to avoid using bottled water? How have you been able to avoid purchasing water in these situations?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/20/2025 8:19 AM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    I do not buy bottled water for home. If I need some for a day out, I go for canned water, like Liquid Death. Their cans are recyclable, and they donate a portion of the proceeds to help kill plastic pollution.

    The hardest scenario is typically the airport. I do not like to bring water bottles with me, as they are heavy and take a lot of baggage space. So I try and look for Path water at the airport convenience store. Their bottles are lightweight, recyclable and designed to be refillable. I use one for the whole trip and refill at the airports and hotels.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    What are some benefits you've noticed with your reusable cleaning items?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/14/2025 9:04 AM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    I use Grove Collaborative for all cleaning and household essentials. Their mission is "A world where all choices are sustainable choices."
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    How has removing your single-use plastics impacted your caffeine routine?

    Anna Flanagan's avatar
    Anna Flanagan 2/14/2025 8:59 AM
    • 28-DAY STREAK
    Nespresso habit is my solution to plastics-free caffeine routine. I ship used capsules to their recycling facility monthly. I also purchase loose teas in paper or metal tins that I reuse. One of my favorites is Palais Des Thes. Their loose tea filters are biodegradable.