Scott Stuart

My reflection is this.  It can be simple to reduce the plastic in my life and developing new habits is a challenge.  I would like to preface my following remarks by saying that it important for all of us to be conscious of what we consume, what we buy and use.
However, as individuals we are not responsible alone for global climate disaster.  The solution to environmental degradation has to come form an institutional level.  The military and corporate sectors are huge polluters.  The solution is a collective solution that is a threat to Military and Corporate behavior without consequences such as regulation and meaningful punishment for environmental and economic crimes.  While we as individuals stop using disposable razors and plastic produce bags, environmental regulations is being rolled back and threatens our air and water quality and the very existence of pollinators that are essential to our food supply.
Our individual actions are important, make no mistake.  And our collective action to resist institutional environmental crimes is essential to our survival as a species.  Let us not become complacent because we take a cotton grocery bag to the supermarket.

One benefit from this challenge is switching to a double edged steel safety razor.  When I first began shaving as a teen my Mom probably bought me a butterfly style Gillette safety razor at the supermarket and that is what I used for years.  I eventually bought an electric shaver and used that for years.  I still have it and use it because replacement parts are still available.  I have used disposable razors, too.  I used the last one at the beginning of the challenge and that is the end of that.  I purchased a steel safety razor and learned that there a several styles and price ranges of the actual razors, razor blades, and shaving products.  It seems there is a renaissance in the "manly" art of shaving with a safety razor.  The drawback is that it takes time so one might as well make a ritual of it.  I find that a pre-shave oil makes for a smoother and closer shave.  Thew butterfly style safety razor my Mom bought me is still a style, is not an aggressive shave, and costs a lot more than it did in the mid 1960s.  If one wants to go really environmental, then shaving soap and a brush and mug are the way to go as it eliminates a metal can of shaving cream, or a plastic tube of shaving lotion.  Many shaving soaps come in paper packaging that can be recycled.  Shave oils and tonics often come in glass which can be recycled.  Going back to the OG shaving equipment will reduce the environmental impact, and leave your face date-night smooth.

My biggest challenge with the Challenge is remembering to take the non- disposable coffee mug with me when I head to my coffee shop.  And to remember to take the cotton shopping bag with me to the grocery store.  Creating new habits is not as easy as I thought it would be.