Cecily Williams

This is tough because I use a rechargable electric toothbrush most of the time. However, I bought a Radius toothbrush from Grove Collaborative, which has a handle of post-consumer materials like wood, paper and dollar bills. The brush heads can be replaced. What I think really needs to change is the dentistry field. When dentists give out free plastic toothbrushes to patients twice a year, that's generating tons of plastic. I did speak with my dentist about that at my recent appointment and did not take a plastic toothbrush at my visit.
I would implore others by talking about what an unnecessary waste plastic toothbrushes create. Yes, they're free to you, but they create a huge amount of waste.

Most of these plastics aren't even recyclable, so they end up in the trash. I would say that the impact of all these plastics on our oceans and rivers is so great that I'm really trying to make an effort to change the way I live, and maybe I'd recommend some of the changes I've made. (I don't want to shame someone because I don't think that will work.) I would tell them that I pledge not to buy any more of those Costco foods in a plastic bag - like wild rice, curried vegetables, lentils, etc. - that are ready to eat. I wish these were at least available in cans that could be recycled because they are delicious, healthy and convenient. I also don't like the idea of heating my food in a plastic bag! Now I'm even starting to understand the benefit of grinding your own peanut butter at the store. It's all coming together for me - slowly.

One answer: beans. People are accustomed to buying canned beans so they don't have to soak them. It's so easy to buy other things like oats and cous cous in bulk, but it's a learning curve to do things like beans that are so much quicker out of a can.

It's hosting parties that are so hard for me. We hosted a party in July, and it killed me to have disposable plastic forks and cups. I tried to work around it by offering finger food and sandwiches that don't require utensils, and we can wash and reuse the plastic cups. We ended up using utensils left over from a previous party, but I would like to have a stash of silverware that we have on hand for parties. It's only once or twice a year, but it makes a difference.

I feel joyful and empowered. I never ended up making yogurt in my Instant Pot, but it's a goal for this summer. I will do it! I also have a recipe for bars that I have been wanting to try, but I didn't do it within the month of July.
Obviously, it's good to know and have control over what's in your food. It's also so good in terms of reducing fossil fuels from shipping things such as yogurt.

I think it's still new, even for Portland, but I did notice that REI sells straw carriers. 

I am trying to lead by example. I bought a little carrier to keep my straw, cleaner and utensils in one pouch in my purse. 

I had to look at my own fear of germs - I always thought I needed to bag my produce separately at the grocery store. This challenge forced me to try a new method and put them all in one cloth bag. 
I still have a hard time with things like cherry tomatoes. I need to be better about shopping at the farmers market to eliminate those plastic containers.