Location:Chicago, Illinois, United States

Name: Hanh Pham

Week: 6

Personal Info:

This is my second go around with the Plastic Free Challenge. Last time, I made it to week 3. I hope I’ll be able to keep tabs on my plastic use for longer this time.

I am super passionate about reducing my waste. I bring reusable containers wherever I dine out so I don’t get non-recyclable plastic… or styrofoam. I bring a stainless steel water bottle and a metal spoon with me. I used to have a metal chopsticks, but they got confiscated at the airport. 🙁

I live in a 3-flat with my husband, and we don’t have any pets.

Hanh Pham’s personal blog: http://prettydirtyperformances.blogspot.com

List of plastic items REFUSED this week. (Yay!)
I tried to refuse plastic when buying a burrito at a local taco place. I asked if I can get my food without plastic, and the cashier said “No, I’m not sure.” At that point, I should have walked out of the taqueria, but I heard so many good things about their veggie burrito, I had to try it.

The burrito was placed in wax paper, and the wax paper was placed in a plastic, reusable basket, and then there was a fork on the side. Everything was good… except for the plastic fork. I tried.

Total items collected: 14

Total weight:

Items: Recyclable
Shampoo and conditioner bottle
Cottage cheese containers

Items: Nonrecyclable
Plastic covering under lid from cottage cheese
Bag from potatoes
Plastic wrapping around soy sauce container

What items can I easily replace with plastic free or less plastic alternatives?
Buy cottage cheese from salad bar instead of buying it in a container

What items would I be willing to give up if a plastic free alternative doesn’t exist?
5 lb potatoes – just bring my own bag

What items are essential and seem to have no plastic-free alternative?

What lifestyle change(s) might be necessary to reduce my plastic consumption?

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

What other conclusions, if any, can I draw?