Ashley Nix
2/28/2026 11:14 AM
This one was tricky. I bought reusable bags from target that saves on plastic waste.
February 1 - February 28, 2026
Normandale Environmental Chemistry Feed
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canab awil 3/13/2026 9:04 AMToday i want to At least fiveplastic bags will be recycled rather than being thrown in the trash. Instead of throwing them in the garbage, I will take them to a plastic bag recycling drop-off so they can be properly recycled. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow easy or difficult have you found this task? Is there a way you could rearrange your freezer to make this work better?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONAt HomeWhich household cleaners did you try making? Have you been able to simplify your cleaning routine?
Ashley Nix 2/28/2026 11:12 AMI made a disinfectant with white vinegar, alcohol and lemon. I am able to use this all around my house to clean, rather than using multiple products -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKidsHow did conversations with your family about reducing plastic use go? What common values or motivations do you have to take action together?
Susanna Lakely 2/27/2026 10:56 PMOur conversation went really well. We watched the Plastic Pollution Coalition videos on how to talk to family about plastic pollution and how to make simple changes that can go a long way in cleaning up the environment and reducing plastic waste.
Some of the things we discussed were how to avoid single-use plastic items like plastic straws and cups, liquid hand soap dispensers and toothbrushes. This isn’t a lot but it’s a start. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONOn-the-goHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Susanna Lakely 2/27/2026 9:42 PMI haven’t noticed a change in my immediate community about messaging around reusable straws, but I am aware that several communities in Minnesota participate in the The Last Plastic Straw movement, such as Minneapolis and Bloomington. This challenge encourages individuals and businesses, specifically restaurants, to consider plastic pollution and stop using plastic straws and other single-use plastic items.
Another organizations that aims to reduce plastic waste in Minnesota is the Coalition for Plastic Reduction MN. They educate and promote sustainable practices with the goal of helping to reduce the use of plastic straws, as well as other plastics in Minnesota. The Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition is another community-led campaign that promotes the reduction of plastic straws and other single-use plastics.
I decided to purchase metal straws in place of plastic straws. It’s a small action that I think can make a big difference when it comes to looking after the environment.
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Margo Ashmore 2/28/2026 7:33 AMThank you for listing the Coalition for Plastic Free Reduction MN - I was not aware of that group. I'd also like to promote Reuse Minnesota. Reusemn.org advocates for, educates and promotes anything/anyone that keeps stuff out of landfills and avoids the use of new materials and the water & energy involved in making new stuff. Membership is accessibly priced, and the quarterly meetings/tours are a lot of fun and informative. It's a great network of businesses, organizations, individuals and education institutions/governments.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONOn-the-goWhat are some of the unexpected benefits of bringing your own lunch?
Abdulahi Abdulqadir 2/27/2026 1:04 PMFor starters, I'm able to get the food I want, typically want and make portions that are reasonable for me.-
Ashley Nix 2/28/2026 11:16 AMI agree. I think it's nice to bring your own lunch because it also saves money and waste buying fast food or prepackaged food.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodWhy 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 PMI 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.-
Susanna Lakely 2/27/2026 10:12 PMHi 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 PMThat feeling when you actually remember your reusable bags before going to the store!
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Isaiah Jorgenson 2/25/2026 12:30 PMMy challenge is going well, and I feel like I'm helping out the environment in many ways!-
Tom Bosman 2/25/2026 3:43 PM
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow 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?
Isaiah Jorgenson 2/25/2026 12:29 PMToday, I tried to make my own meal with things that I grew in my indoor garden.-
Tom Bosman 2/25/2026 3:44 PM -
Charles Schaller 2/26/2026 5:35 AM -
Mackenzie Theisen 2/26/2026 3:37 PM
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