Mike Marxen

Almost midway through our plastic challenge.  I am minimizing my consumption and reusing plastic containers that do come into the house either through purchase or through people bringing food over.  I select glass containers when possible.  I am learning about our wide dependence on plastic and know that recycling programs are critical for management of our reliance on plastic.   

Brought my lunch from home today, a sandwich wrapped in wax paper.   That in itself  is good, no plastic consumed today.  However, the bread I used came out of a plastic bag, the chicken from a plastic container, the mayo from a plastic bottle and lettuce from a plastic bag,  Yikes! 

This challenge is hard!  Seems like nearly every product in stores has some plastic packaging.  This has increased my awareness on how dependent we are on plastic. I am successful at not using plastic in morning and at lunch time and working  to find evening meals with limited plastic packaging for home meal prep.  At a social last night I brought home several used plastic cups to wash and reuse for my party this weekend.    If I end up using plastic ware when out, I strive to reuse.   

Off to a good start!   Plastic free was a key consideration when I went to the cafeteria this morning.  Cookie wrapped in plastic lost out to a home baked piece of cake that I could put on a plate.  Tasted great and met my goal to be plastic free today!