Location:Santa Cruz, California, United States

Name: Elena Cholula

Week: 1

Personal Info:

Hello!

My name is Elena, I am a 22 year old female who lives with family and a dog. BUT I only tracked my own plastic for the week!

Elena Cholula’s personal blog:

List of plastic items REFUSED this week. (Yay!)
I attempted to refuse any plastic bags from the local grocery stores by bringing my own reusable bags. When i did forget, I broke down and used a couple plastic bags. I also refused to buy any drinks on the go (coffee, smoothies) in order to be more aware of the items I use and dispose of.

Total items collected: 15

Total weight:

Items: Recyclable
Del Monte Banana plastic bag (4LDPE)
Diet Dr Pepper 24 oz (1 PETE)
Pillsbury Whipped Vanilla Frosting (5 PP)
Pillsbury Cap (4 LDPE)
Luna Minis Bag (2 HDPE)
2 Yoplait Light (6 PS)
Mini Muffins Variety Pack (1 PETE)
3 Qt Bottle of Bleach (2 HDPE)
2 Safeway Bags (2HDPE)

Items: Nonrecyclable
Kirkland Paper Towel Plastic Wrap
3 Large pieces of Saran Wrap

What items can I easily replace with plastic free or less plastic alternatives?
I can completely take out the plastic bags from the store by bringing my own. Drink soda cans made from aluminum instead of plastic. Anything else on the list can be edited with lifestyle and dietary changes.

What items would I be willing to give up if a plastic free alternative doesn’t exist?
I would easily give up: muffins, frosting, Luna granola, and the shopping bags.

What items are essential and seem to have no plastic-free alternative?
What i consider essential are the items that i did not list in the previous section because of my dietary need for these items or for their daily use in cleaning.

What lifestyle change(s) might be necessary to reduce my plastic consumption?
I think I would need to be more aware of the products I purchase and measure its importance in my life to see if it is really worth buying. When it comes to eating or drinkin on the go, I need to build the habit of bringing my own coffee cup, or even utensils!

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

What other conclusions, if any, can I draw?