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Barb Huelsman's avatar

Barb Huelsman

Team North St. Paul

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 445 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    2.2
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    0.6
    pounds
    waste avoided
  • UP TO
    0.6
    pounds
    waste recycled
  • UP TO
    75
    minutes
    spent learning

Barb's actions

Plastics 101

Read Plastic-Free Challenge emails

I will read through the three emails each week to learn more about plastic and get ideas on how to use less.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Plastics 101

Put compostable plastics in the right place 

I will make sure any BPI-certified compostable plastic products I use will be disposed of correctly by putting them in my curbside compost/food scraps bin or taking them to a drop-off location and not placing them in the regular recycling.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

At Home

REUSE TRASH BAGS BEFORE PURCHASING NEW

I will reuse existing bags such as pet food bags, grocery bags, or online shopping bags to line my trash bins (or go without plastic liners) and offset using as many new bags as possible.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Personal Care

Say no to “Flushable wipes”

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes. 

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Plastics 101

Recycle Plastic Caps

I will recycle 1 plastic caps per day by placing them back on the plastic bottles before placing them in my recycling bin.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Skip the Dryer Sheets

I will replace dryer sheets with a reusable alternative or use nothing at all.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    How difficult (or easy!) has it been for you to cut dryer sheets from your laundry routine?

    Barb Huelsman's avatar
    Barb Huelsman 2/18/2025 8:26 AM
    I was hesitant to skip the dryer sheet this week in the laundry. But, I thought about the challenge, skipped the dryer sheets, and really did not notice anything different with my clean clothes.

  • Barb Huelsman's avatar
    Barb Huelsman 2/10/2025 12:51 PM
    We re-use a plastic kitchen garbage bag for our recycling bin at home, for many weeks. Once it's been used for several weeks we put it in our kitchen garbage can.

    • Chris Cherne's avatar
      Chris Cherne 2/12/2025 9:22 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • 27-DAY STREAK
      I reuse my bathroom trash bag many, many times before it ends up in the garbage. And usually they are plastic grocery bags living their second life :)
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Plastics 101
    What have you noticed about where you are finding this type of packaging?

    Barb Huelsman's avatar
    Barb Huelsman 2/07/2025 10:01 AM
    I did not know that you should put the cap on your plastic bottles when recycling. I always threw them in the recycling bin separate from the bottle! I will start putting the cap back on the bottle and instruct my family to do so also!

    • Chris Cherne's avatar
      Chris Cherne 2/07/2025 11:42 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • 27-DAY STREAK
      Growing up, I always thought that was a no-no too!

  • Barb Huelsman's avatar
    Barb Huelsman 2/05/2025 8:41 AM
    I have increased awareness of use of plastic. This week I switched to silverware from home for my lunch rather than using plasticware. I have filled a Yeti Mug up with water each morning at home, rather than grab a plastic water bottle. I am putting all my lunch items into reusable plastic containers or glass containers and eliminated plastic baggies.

    • Chris Cherne's avatar
      Chris Cherne 2/06/2025 11:26 AM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      • 27-DAY STREAK
      That is awesome, Barb! And, that makes a big difference!

    • Sara Lang's avatar
      Sara Lang 2/05/2025 11:44 AM
      • 28-DAY STREAK
      Nice job Barb :)