Be part of the solution with the Plastic-Free Challenge .

Hennepin County | Ramsey County | Washington County

February 1 - February 28, 2025

Three Rivers Park District Staff Feed

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Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Kids

What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) does your household use regularly, and what substitutes are you trying?
Amy Nelson 2/27/2025 6:27 AM
- 20-DAY STREAK
We use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. We never purchase cases of water. We also have reusable straws the kids enjoy using at home. I received reusable vegetable bags from my mom that I need to remember to bring with me next time I go grocery shopping. It would be nice to protect my veggies since right now I just throw them in the cart!

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- Wendy Ludwig 2/28/2025 5:15 AM
  
  15-DAY STREAK
  Nice gift from mom :) I am curious as to what type is your reusable vegetable bag?
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How does swapping out prepackaged snacks for fresh fruit or veggies or homemade or bulk items benefit your household?
Lisa Walter 2/26/2025 2:38 PM
My family is trying to stay away from junk plastic wrap waste, like from granola bars or dried fruits but . I am saving all of the wrappers in a plastic bottle (an eco brick) to see how quickly it accumulates. It's a good visual reminder to make better choices.

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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?
Amy Nelson 2/24/2025 9:36 AM
- 20-DAY STREAK
I make my own cleaners for sanitizing/cleaning surfaces and for cleaning glass and windows. I use cotton towels most of the time, instead of paper towels. I am mostly satisfied with my actions but feel there is always room for improvement.

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Meg Duhr 2/24/2025 9:14 AM
I've been bringing my coffee from home in a ceramic travel cup for about as long as I can remember...this is a fairly easy one for me to incorporate because: a.) can't afford takeout coffee every day and b.) I'm always running too late in the morning to make a stop along the way to work anyway.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Personal Care

Currently, most of the packaging for toothpaste is plastic. What has been your experience using plastic-free toothpaste options? How can you advocate for more alternatives through your purchasing power and influence in community?
Amy Nelson 2/24/2025 8:31 AM
- 20-DAY STREAK
Plastic toothpaste container waste has been on my radar for a while now. I just purchased NOBS (NO Bad Stuff) toothpaste tablets. They come in a recyclable/reusable container. I'm excited to try them and hope they work well!

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- Amy Nelson 2/26/2025 6:36 AM
  
  20-DAY STREAK
  Received the toothpaste tabs and used one for the first time this morning. Worked great! Squeaky clean, great taste, and nice foaming action! Two thumbs up! Only thing I'd do differently is purchase the higher quantity for the lower price.
  
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- Amy Nelson 2/24/2025 9:39 AM
  
  20-DAY STREAK
  Will do!
  
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- Julie DURR 2/24/2025 9:12 AM
  
  28-DAY STREAK
  Let us know what you think of this item.
  
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Lisa Dougherty 2/24/2025 7:39 AM
It's a challenge! My target store makes it even harder because they only use plastic bags. I always thought Target was eco-friendly. It's so disappointing when I check out and see all the plastic bags they are sending out with people. I've been getting better about bringing my reusable bags in with me. Though the action is small in the grand scheme of things, it does make me feel good that I'm trying to do my part. The struggle is remembering to grab it beforehand.

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- H McCrillis 2/25/2025 2:20 AM
  - 28-DAY STREAK
  Yeah, I thought Target sold reusable bags, even canvas ones.
  
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- Pat Burns 2/24/2025 7:56 AM
  - TEAM CAPTAIN
  - 20-DAY STREAK
  When I order online from target I usually opt to have items brought to my car and I have the option to use their bags or indicate they are to use bags I bring with me. It’s a great option. And keeps me from impulse shopping.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How easy or difficult have you found this task? Is there a way you could rearrange your freezer to make this work better?
Amy Nelson 2/20/2025 6:58 AM
- 20-DAY STREAK
I have purchased many single serving glass containers to store leftovers in. I fill them up and pop them in the freezer for easy take-and-go lunches to bring to work. I have certain shelves I put them on, and they stack up nicely. Easy and convenient, and saves money by not having to eat out.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Kids

How many items are you able to reuse year to year from your child's school supplies?
Amy Nelson 2/19/2025 11:49 AM
- 20-DAY STREAK
Unpopular opinion, but we have our kids reuse their backpacks from year to year, unless they are in really rough shape.

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- H McCrillis 2/20/2025 2:03 AM
  
  28-DAY STREAK
  Why is that unpopular? I think it’s a great idea!
  
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- Amy Nelson 2/20/2025 6:52 AM
  
  20-DAY STREAK
  Thanks, I think it's a great idea, too!
  I say "unpopular" only because I feel like everyone always wants the newest, shiniest, trendiest stuff. To me, it just doesn't make sense - it's a waste of money and reusable items.
  
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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?
Amy Nelson 2/19/2025 11:46 AM
- 20-DAY STREAK
I love making new food items, rather than purchasing them pre-made when I have the time. I made granola and the kids enjoyed it.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
At Home

How has removing your single-use plastics impacted your caffeine routine?
Jill Druckman 2/19/2025 10:27 AM
- 7-DAY STREAK
It has limited my caffeine intake a bit which is probably a good thing. We also switched to a more sustainable coffee brewing method that involves no plastic waste.

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