Myrtle Turnquist

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

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.

I will spend 30 minutes conducting a waste audit- including recyclables and compost- to understand how much plastic waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

I will complete a plastic consumption calculator to learn about my plastic footprint.

Contamination makes the recycling process more difficult. I will review which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my county and recycle only those items. 

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

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

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

I will assemble and/or use a to-go bag with cloth napkins and reusable utensils, containers, and cups to avoid disposable to-go containers and cutlery for 2 of my household members.

MNimize works to reduce single-use plastic at food service businesses. I will visit a participating location or tell a business I frequent about the resources available to them.