Louisa Lubiak

I was going to do a waste audit as one of my Challenges, but looks like I'm not going to get that accomplished. I've been busy with other activities this July, and just don't have the focus to count every piece of trash that I generate. However, I did switch from using polyester and polyurethane kitchen scrub sponges to Pura Naturals, which are made from plant-based renewable resources without plastics or petroleum by-products. They don't say exactly what they're made from, and the texture is firmer than what I'm used to, but I suppose I'm doing something good for Mother Earth!

Not accepting any disposable bags when making purchases and purchasing produce without plastic packaging is quite challenging! Yesterday I brought some plastic produce bags from home to reuse at the grocery store. The first bag I used got ripped by an apple stem and I had to use another bag. I purchased one head each of green-leaf and red-leaf lettuce, but they already came wrapped in a plastic mesh sleeve. I should've bought the Boston, or Bibb, lettuce as it was the only lettuce not wrapped in plastic. }:-(

I think plastic packaging has become so prevalent because it is perceived to be convenient and sanitary. Getting pre-washed lettuce leaves in a plastic box is preferrable to handling a whole head of lettuce with the soil still clinging to it.