Missouri Historical Society Staff & Volunteers

Although I have already made changes to reduce, reuse and recycle I knew there was more to learn. Buying produce not prepackaged in plastic was an eye-opener. I didn't realize how much plastic is used in packaging. Will continue to reduce my use of plastic packaging..

By making my own products I know what ingredients are in my cleanser, body lotion or hand cream, etc.

Did you get a chance to listen to the podcast from the Botanical Garden. http://earthworms.kdhxtra.org/try-living-plastic-free-take-this-ecochallenge?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=EcoChallengeOrg%20Marketing&utm_medium=Email

I've been trying to eliminate single-use plastic wrap from my daily routine and am looking into alternatives including beeswax wraps and silicone stretch lids. It does require a bit more forethought when planning lunches or going over to friends', and perhaps a few more dishes get washed, but it is worth it.

Convenience is king--quicker to grab a bag of produce rather than to hand-select. When considering convenience the consumer and the producer both benefit from bags .If more people complain about plastic perhaps other packaging would be researched and developed.

I was invited to join the challenge through Nick Hoffman at MHS.  And he thought it would be a great idea for us to join the challenge to support our local zoo and botanical garden.  I was a little apprehensive because my first thought was this is going to be so hard to get everyone at my organization on board for the challenge.  But I shifted...

The produce is the most difficult product for me to buy w/o plastic packaging. I didn't notice before how much packaging is plastic.

"If not me, who? and if not now, when?" When we see a problem that many people are causing, we can't wait for someone else to rectify it. WE are the community.

We are the community! When I see trash on the ground it is more productive to pick it up than wonder why someone didn't put it away properly!

Before the Plastic Free July, I started to find ways to live with minimal amounts of clothing, shoes and jewelry.  I have noticed that my life is much simpler and I am able to save money/time and Earth resources for those who really need it more than me.  In North America, we have a mentality to consumption instead of replenishing.  I am...