Sharon Kolbe

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

I will learn about what different descriptions and marketing terms mean when used on plastics.

I will watch a documentary film about plastic waste with family and friends and talk about what we learned.

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.

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

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.

Plastics recycling is real, and it works in the Twin Cities metro area when done correctly. I will spend 10 minutes learning about how to correctly recycle plastics in the Twin Cities and where recycled plastics end up.

I will swap 1 prepackaged snacks for unpackaged fruits or veggies or homemade or bulk items each time we need more.

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

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