Breaking the Plastic Addiction - Week 1 Checkpoint

Inspired by Beth Terry, author of 'Plastic Free', we have taken on the challenge of Breaking the Plastic Addiction first, by being self accountable for our plastic consumption. We have attempted to keep, list, and photograph any and all plastic that would normally be thrown away or "recycled". Talk about a reality check!

In our last post, Breaking the Plastic Addiction - Self Accountability we showed our first 3 days of plastic use. Here are the remaining 4 days to close up our first plastic-conscious consumer week.

8.17.12

A Friday Night at Khepra's :) The container from our raw meal, bottle from coconut water, cup from mango pudding, utensils, and bag.

8.18.12

Plastic bag from forgetting our reusable bag at the farmer's market. TJ Maxx bag from mandolin purchase, cherry bag,  Date container from preparing a raw dessert for a party we attended that night.

Not pictured: Plastic plate and utensils from party

8.19.12

Empty Shea Butter Container, Coconut Oil Container which is odd because we normally purchase it in glass. Ziploc bags that housed lemons and peppers, plastic wrap that held another vegetable.

Not Pictured: plastic applicator from feminine products, plastic wrapper from feminine products

8.20.12

Whole Foods bag from Collards, Date container..again..plastic utensils and wrappers from salad, wrappers from Kitt's Organic bars, plastic from opening a pack of sheet protectors from Staples

Not Pictured: plastic applicator from feminine products, plastic wrapper from feminine products

Total Plastic Damage

 2 people. 1 week.  This much plastic!

What We've Learned So Far...

• Most of our plastic comes from FOOD. We don't over consume much in other areas.
• We kicked the water bottle habit about 8 months ago and that helped A LOT! 
• Produce bags accumulate quickly.
• Farmers Markets save us money and require less plastic.
• We consume a lot of Dates. If there are none in the bulk bin, DON'T GET THEM!
• Keep reusable grocery bags in the CAR.
• We have a Raw Food business, there is no reason we should spend that much time at the Whole Foods bar. Period.
• We can make our own raw snacks too..
• Use matches.
• Feminine products are a plastic trap.

We will be keeping with our Plastic Trash Challenge and posting weekly with more plastic info and updates on our consumption habits. Stay tuned!

What have you learned on your plastic-conscious journey?