Mackenzie Theisen is participating in the Plastic-Free Challenge!

Hennepin County | Ramsey County | Washington County

Plastic-Free Challenge

February 1 - February 28, 2026

Mackenzie's points

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
96 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.6

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

0.6

pounds

waste avoided
UP TO

0.3

pounds

packaging waste avoided
UP TO

20

minutes

spent learning

Mackenzie's 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

Buy Unpackaged Produce

I will avoid 3 plastic bags each shopping trip by not bagging my produce or using reusable produce bags.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Pets

Clean Up Pet Hair with Reusables

I will use a reusable lint brush or vacuum to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets, and furniture.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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
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?
Mackenzie Theisen 2/26/2026 3:41 PM

I think manufacturers and companies use plastic packaging because it's cheap and convenient for them. It additionally extends shelf life which saves them money as well.

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- Susanna Lakely 2/27/2026 10:12 PM
  
  Hi Mackenzie,
  
  You make a good point. Plastic packaging stays popular because it’s inexpensive, convenient, and helps products last longer. I agree that these incentives make it hard for companies to move away from it. One way forward is to switch to recycled or biodegradable plastics. Another way forward is to redesign packaging so it uses far less material while still protecting products effectively.
  
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Mackenzie Theisen 2/26/2026 3:35 PM

That feeling when you actually remember your reusable bags before going to the store!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
At Home

How difficult (or easy!) has it been for you to cut dryer sheets from your laundry routine?
Mackenzie Theisen 2/08/2026 3:48 PM

It's a little difficult because as a cat owner, all of my laundry ends up totally covered in pet fur! However, I researched some alternative options to dryer sheets and found reusable dryer balls specifically for pet fur! I have yet to use it, but will be doing a load of laundry tomorrow and I'm excited to see how it works! :)

Read More
- Ayman Hassan 2/08/2026 7:08 PM
  
  I can see why that makes sense! It's really annoying when pet fur gets on clothes and pillows. What a great idea to have dryer balls that can be used more than once. From what I hear, they can help reduce static electricity and get rid of some fur on clothes. Plus, they're better for the earth and can be used again, which is great. I hope that they work out for you in the morning. Please let us know what happens!
  
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Mackenzie Theisen 1/15/2026 2:59 PM

Hi everybody! :)

My challenge for this week is to learn about the numbers located on plastic materials. To be totally honest, I had no idea that there even were numbers on plastic at all so I'm gonna be looking out for that all the time now! There are 7 numbers total, #1 and #2 being the most common. #7 is a mixture of materials that don't fit into the 1-6 categories and they're known as polycarbonates. Polycarbonates are the most difficult to recycle. Some things that fit into the #7 category are legos as well as keyboard and mouses for computers!

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- Larissa schafer 1/17/2026 4:36 PM
  
  I didn't learn this until today either, but it is good to know and its something ill will keep in mind.
  
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- Astou Dione 1/17/2026 12:47 PM
  
  I had no idea about this either, that's so cool!!! And wow Legos and keyboard mouses do sound hard to recycle!
  
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- Jordan Kriegl 1/16/2026 4:14 PM
  
  I didn't know there were numbers on plastic materials either, I'll be looking into that as well to learn more about it
  
  Read More