Mike Robertshaw

"To continue to drastically reduce my families plastic consumption and encourage my community to do the same at whatever level they're ready to do so. "

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
199 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

5.0

pieces of litter

picked up
UP TO

12

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill

Mike's actions

Food

Takeout Pro

I will use my own containers when ordering takeout.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Use Reusable Bags

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Minimize Packaging

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Containers

I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

Mike Robertshaw 7/09/2019 12:55 PM

My challenge is going well thus far. While I like to think I'm pretty good about avoiding plastic wherever possible, the reality is I get lazy more often than I like to admit. However, I redoubled my efforts this past week during my shopping trip. I made sure to minimize the plastic I purchased, and the few items where I felt like I didn't really have a choice, I made sure they were #1 plastic. One specific purchase choice was to forego the big-ass bag-o-berries I usually get from Costco for my fruit smoothies. Instead I stuck to fruit with no packaging and when I got home, I cut it all up and froze it. It's worked out quite nicely.

One place I'm having trouble is coming up with a deodorant alternative. The options I have found online are prohibitively expensive. So, I made my own out of corn starch, baking soda, and coconut oil. It works well, but is kind of glue like and gross. I would also like to add a scent, but the oils one could buy at the store are, again, stupid expensive. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

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- Jamie Broussard 7/10/2019 9:35 AM
  
  I haven't cracked the code on deodorant yet either. I tried Schmidt's brand last summer and it worked pretty well until my underarms broke out (either sensitivity to baking soda, essential oils, or both--not sure!).
  
  Maypop Herb Shop sells small bottles of essential oil, maybe like half an ounce? Less of a commitment than buying a 2 oz. bottle from a place like Whole Foods, and less money too. Just be careful and research which essential oils are safe on the skin. You would probably only use one drop diluted in a significant amount for something like deodorant. Good luck and let us know if you come up with a formula that works for you!
  
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Mike Robertshaw 7/09/2019 12:45 PM

I hadn't checked this challenge off yet because I know I could rake up nearly a months worth on my street and just haven't had the chance to do so. Sadly, I could do this weekly and even bi-weekly there is so much.

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- Troy Carpenter 7/09/2019 12:47 PM
  
  Change begins within. Hope what you’re doing spreads seeds of growth
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Use Reusable Bags

How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

Mike Robertshaw 7/07/2019 6:29 PM

It's easy, but I've been doing it for a while. We're working to get our church to participate in plastic free July by simply trying to give up plastic bags (and possibly plastic water bottles, but that would be lagniappe). People seem into it. A few years back our Green team raised a bunch of money and we decided we would use that to purchase some recycled cotton bags to give to church members.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Keep My Community Clean

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

Mike Robertshaw 7/07/2019 6:25 PM

My street is constantly filled with litter. Constantly. It's a mixed bag. Much like doing the dishes, when you clean it, you know it will be filled again in a couple days which is disheartening and demoralizing. But, I feel gratified when I do it and two of my neighbors pick out up from time to time as well which makes I me feel more connected to them.

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Mike Robertshaw 7/07/2019 7:08 AM

We've tried to get our church involved and are inviting them to give up plastic bags (and water bottles if they're really feeling adventurous!). To help them out, we're taking the money our Green Team raised to buy a bunch of cloth bags.

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Mike Robertshaw 7/07/2019 7:05 AM

The last few days were a bit challenging as my wife and I were on the road to Houston. However, we packed snacks for the trip so we wouldn't haven't stop to buy anything.

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