Name: Barbara Fink

Week: 1

Personal Info:
I am 27 year old single female. I currently own my own home north of Pittsburgh, PA. I have 1 full time job and two part-time jobs. Needless to say I am very busy. Since I moved to Pittsburgh I have recycled. I also have always thought of myself as a reducer and reuser, at least until this project.

Total items: 5 [Note: this is only plastic waste generated at work]

Total weight:

Items: Recyclable
20oz Pepsi bottle- 1
Yoplait Yogurt- 5
Tomato container- 1
Sabra Hummus- 1

Items: Nonrecyclable
Plastic Spoon- not recyclable

What items can I easily replace with plastic free or less plastic alternatives?
All of these items could be plastic free or less plastic.

What items would I be willing to give up if a plastic free alternative doesn’t exist?
Honestly, I could give up all of them.

What items are essential and seem to have no plastic-free alternative?
I don’t think any item that I ate this week at work is essential. All of these have plastic free alternatives.

What lifestyle change(s) might be necessary to reduce my plastic consumption?
I usually package my leftovers in glass containers. However, when it comes to work food, I go with quick in easy. Adding a few minutes to my nightly routine I could package my own snacks in resuable containers.

What one plastic item am I willing to give up or replace this week?
I am willing to give them all up.

What other conclusions, if any, can I draw?
I thought I was a reducer, reuser, recycler. However, this picture is just one week at work. If I want to make an impact, I need to do more. No more single serve sizes.

Thank you very much for this challenge. I have certainly learned something.