Twin Cities Rotary EcoClub

Although I was out of town for much of the month, I consciously tried to limit the plastic that I obtained through packaging and other sources during my trip. I am still seeking more ways to continue this plastic-free journey for the rest of the year!

I will continue to clean out my two adopt-a-drains on my block. I have bookmarked the resources that can be shared with business establishments like restaurants. I plan to share the 5-page Single-Use Plastic Reduction Guide with restaurants that could improve, letting them know that I am not inclined to return as a customer as long as they are...

I am obsessive about keeping things out of the waste stream if at all possible. I keep a bag in our closet to collect items for the thrift store and drop it off when it's full. I am not a Facebook user otherwise but am a part of Buy Nothing Golden Valley and regularly post items there (great response to lots of stuff resulting from a major...

Reducing plastics in my wardrobe - I already DO skip the dryer sheets; I don't dry clean (no dry cleaning bags); and I regularly shop used. My big challenge to self is to choose natural clothing fibers. I don't have time this month to research and set a clear path, but this will be an on-going "move along the spectrum" towards less...

I'm doing just okay on the challenge. I did it a couple of years ago and made quite a few changes that significantly reduced our plastic use and waster. I'm finding I'm more resistant to the next "level" of things to do - if I'm honest / humble, I can feel lazy - e.g., about figuring out clothing for all seasons that use only natural...

I went out for lunch today. I do keep in my car a container to bring leftovers home, but almost always forget to bring it in. When I asked for a box today, I got a #5 plastic one - at least better than styrofoam. I'm setting a goal of building a habit of carrying in a bag with a carryout reusable box in it whenever we in a restaurant.

We are basketball fans. At MN Lynx games at Target Center, they allow you to bring in a clear empty water bottle, and the Lynx even give members a complimentary one each year. (Though they have no bottle refill stations next to water fountains - I make this request every year to guest services to no avail.) But at the UofM Williams Arena, for...

I think we're mostly recycling correctly and avoiding "wish-cycling", esp since the last time we participated in the Challenge. Take-aways for me, from the print Henn. Cty. card on recycling, and the resources here: - recycle 1, 2, and 5 - no loose caps; afix caps to bottles even if different type of plastic - do not crush items - NO...

I need to (and am reluctant to) learn more about microplastics, how I contribute, their ubiquity, and how to reduce causing them in my own practices.

One change I made last round was to get back into the habit of buying bulk at the food coop. I really love this. I belong to Seward and Wedge coops. I'll often stop at Seward on my way home from church, as it's near there. Sometimes I have a "coop list" but no plans to be near Seward (25 min. from my house), but then look for a coop...