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Normandale Environmental Chemistry Feed

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  • 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?

    Jessy Idiarte's avatar
    Jessy Idiarte 2/15/2026 11:38 AM
    The only times when I've had a hard time avoiding using bottled water have been at special events, like concerts or games, as either I have forgotten my personal reusable bottle of water, or I just simply did not want to bring it because of laziness (I did not want to carry it all the time). Most of the time, I can avoid purchasing water at these events (as they tend to be really pricey anyway), but if I'm really thirsty, I cannot help but give in. Overall, I feel like I've been doing pretty well.

    • Lisa Hirst Carnes's avatar
      Lisa Hirst Carnes 2/15/2026 3:17 PM
      I find it hard avoiding water when you're in attending an in-person meeting and they ask you if you'd like a water and they bring you out a tiny plastic bottle. Can't they just serve water in a glass? Now I know not to say yes when I'm at the accountant's office.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    How does swapping out prepackaged snacks for fresh fruit or veggies or homemade or bulk items benefit your household?

    Kafiya Ibrahim's avatar
    Kafiya Ibrahim 2/14/2026 1:02 PM
    what benefited me the most is that you could make homemade chips, homemade fries, you can make a fruit salad all at home.
  • 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?

    Shahzoda Ashurova's avatar
    Shahzoda Ashurova 2/13/2026 1:59 PM
    Trying a new recipe was a fun and interesting experience for me. At first I felt a little unsure, but as I followed the steps, I became more confident. I learned that cooking takes patience and attention, and it felt really satisfying to see the final result that I made myself. This activity showed me that trying new things can help build confidence and new skills.
  • 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?

    Trevor Klinsing's avatar
    Trevor Klinsing 2/12/2026 3:23 PM
    Usually when I'm on the go or with friends and we stop at a gas station or something. I can be very prone to grabbing a bottle but I've started to try and bring a refillable wherever I go, and even if I do use a plastic bottle I reuse as well so I'm not using any more plastic
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    On-the-go
    Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.

    William Young's avatar
    William Young 2/11/2026 1:56 PM
    I see many more people using reusable water bottles than a few years ago. Also, I've noticed places that have paper straws, they dont seem to be used that often due to how poorly they work, so many people just skip the straw entirely. That can help lead to less of a reliance on using straw in the first place which is helpful!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    How difficult (or easy!) has it been for you to cut dryer sheets from your laundry routine?

    Ana  Zuniga's avatar
    Ana Zuniga 2/11/2026 10:40 AM
    It has been easy, honestly I don't even know the full "benefits" of using drying sheets. I actually started using them as adult because I grew up using them with my mom. But one less thing to buy now.

    • Lona Doolan's avatar
      Lona Doolan 2/11/2026 8:49 PM
      So easy to stop, drier balls are great! especially only having cotton clothing, static doesn't build like synthetics do. Love that there is no additional smell that came from sheets.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    How have you modified your cleaning routine to make sure you aren't using disposable wipes? Are you satisfied with the results?

    Mawaahib Nuuh's avatar
    Mawaahib Nuuh 2/09/2026 9:22 PM
    I’ve switched from disposable wipes to reusable cleaning cloths and rags that I can wash and reuse. I also started using Pinesol cleaners instead of pre‑moistened wipes, which work just as well. I’m satisfied with the results because my space still gets clean, and I like knowing I’m creating less waste.
  • 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?

    Mawaahib Nuuh's avatar
    Mawaahib Nuuh 2/09/2026 9:19 PM
    The hardest times for me to avoid using bottled water are when I’m traveling, at festivals or sports events, or when i don't have a water bottle. I’ve avoided using plastic bottles by carrying a reusable one, refilling it whenever I can, and asking for tap water at restaurants.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    What maintenance steps do you take to keep your electronics in good working order?

    Tristan Bartosevic's avatar
    Tristan Bartosevic 2/09/2026 8:48 PM
    I always try and take care of all my electronics and keep them for as long as I can. I try not to keep my phone plugged in all night, that way I don't ruin the battery and I always have a case and a screen protecter on!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    What are some of the challenges or benefits you have experienced using reused bags instead of a bag purposely designed to hold trash?

    Tristan Bartosevic's avatar
    Tristan Bartosevic 2/09/2026 8:44 PM
    One challenge would be the wear and tear on the bags. But I think it is working great, I no longer have to buy as many bags each week.