Name: Sarah Schmiechen

Week: 4

Personal Info:

See my full description in my Week 1 Challenge Post.

Total items: 13+

Total weight:

Items: Recyclable
Two milk bottles #1
One page-a-day calendar stand #5

Items: Nonrecyclable
One soap dispenser ?
Blister pack of sudafed
Two envelopes with windows
Raspberry package
Cereal bag
Two apple bags
Nail clipper packaging
Wrapper from sample box of tissues
Various garbage bags and meat packaging

What items can I easily replace with plastic free or less plastic alternatives?
The page-a-day calendar was a gift in 2009.

The frozen fruit was used to make jam – this summer I’d like to try making it from fresh to store.

The apple bags are unnecessary.

The sample box of tissues is obviously not necessary.

The soap dispenser was from using up the last of my liquid soap when I switched to solid last week.

I think I can buy the same cereal in bulk, but I imagine it gets shipped in the same bags I buy it in. I can ask.

What items would I be willing to give up if a plastic free alternative doesn’t exist?
None this week.

What items are essential and seem to have no plastic-free alternative?
I didn’t see any nail clippers without packaging at the store, although they probably exist. I wouldn’t buy those used or go without.

I needed the cold medicine to get through a conference. Not willing to give that up yet.

What lifestyle change(s) might be necessary to reduce my plastic consumption?
I would love to get into canning next summer, as I mentioned.

What one plastic item am I willing to give up or replace this week?
I’m trying to not use garbage bags as much around the house.