Comments on: Week 51 Results: 4.4 oz of plastic waste

By: AnnMarie

AnnMarie — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:43:00 +0000

Regarding bananas: Have you checked other stores? I just bought some organic bananas, and there was no extra plastic on the end. (There was, however, a piece of plastic tape on the bunch, but I think that was to identify them as the cheap old bananas, as the non-organic ones in the bag also had it.) Anyway, just wanted to say that not every company puts the plastic on the ends.

By: Saleha

Saleha — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:36:00 +0000

Hi, Beth. I have a problem I was wondering if anyone had a good solution/alternative to, it would probably be you. Currently I line all the garbage cans in my house with plastic bags and then just tie up the bags and throw them out when full. I was wondering what’s the eco-friendly alternative to doing this? I’ve seen some biodegradable bags for kitchen size garbage cans, but what about garbage cans for bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.? With kids in the house and all the dirty stuff that goes into the cans, I can’t leave them unlined. What’s the cleanest and most eco-friendly thing to do? Thanks.

By: CindyW

CindyW — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:53:00 +0000

We were doing so well (for us anyway) until this weekend when my husband ordered Chinese food for 10 people. The amount of plastic that came with the meal ruined my appetite all together. And styrofoam containers, whoever uses them anymore? It should be illegal. I think San Mateo county banned it. Time for me to write to my city.

We don’t do take out much at all these days, because we want to know what goes into our food and to minimize packaging. But every so often, we still indulge. Have you ever written about how to minimize take out packaging?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +0000

If anyone can make this a plastic free week- it’s you! Good luck in the run up to your Blogaversery.
:0) kt

By: Carla

Carla — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:55:00 +0000

Beth – I’ve begun experimenting with making my own cat food based on the book, The Whole Pet Diet by Andi Browne. With the first batch, I didn’t follow the recipe exactly since I already had chicken stock in the freezer; they seem to like it. I’ve mixed it with the canned food they usually have.
The problem I have is storage – it makes quite a bit. Some of it I froze in ice cube trays which turned out to just right for mixing; remembering to take some out in the evening was the problem with that. I froze the rest in 1-lb-size cottage cheese containers which are too large a portion to be used before it spoils. It lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge.
I’m going to resolve the container situation before I make more.
Carla in Idaho

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:27:00 +0000

Thank you so much for writing this blog! I’ve always been very concerned about the environment, but I don’t own a house or a car, so there didn’t seem to be much I could do. You’ve given me a whole new direction to go in! I’ve posted links to your blog and sad albatross picture article on my blog, and am harassing my friends about being more environmentally aware. Thank you for all your suggestions and your inspirational project!

By: Clif

Clif — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Was in the grocery yesterday and thought of you when I saw potatoes shrink wrapped in plastic. Why? So they will cook faster! Take a look for yourself at http://cbplace.com/taters%20in%20plastic.jpg and notice the label on them – “ExpressBake”

Go oil prices, Go! Rid us of waste and foolishness, be it plastic wrapped spuds or Hummers.

By: Jenette

Jenette — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:20:00 +0000

I tried last month to go for a week with out plastic (and several other things – due to Crunchy Chicken). I just could not believe how miserably I failed. Plastic is everywhere :( Good luck with your week of plastic free!

By: Anarres Natural Health

Anarres Natural Health — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Hi Beth,

I always water my indoor plants with un drunk water from cups and glasses just before I do the dishes. Then my outdoor plants get the dishwater! I keep a bucket on the stairs to my backyard that I fill with waste water, and when it’s full, or it’s timely, I pour it into my watering can and have a go around the garden. Given that I do the dishes daily, and use a natural soap (non SLS), the plants thrive… I also invert green plastic pop bottles (cut almost off at the top side) on spikes, fill with sand and bury these for away-for-the-weekend watering – a Caribbean technique.

Love & RRRevolution, Tracey

By: Sharla

Sharla — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Just quickly want to note that I am LOVING your site and as a result am really rethinking all of my at home plastic use. Thanks for the challenge. The world gets changed one idea, one person at a time, so THANKS!