It's a lot harder to remember to bring reusable cutlery outside than I thought. I learned that conservation is about being mindful and planning ahead (like putting all that stuff in my bag the night before)!

What a great month.  What a great challenge.  I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to participate.  Onward to a plastic free August, September, October.....

I have a new awareness of the amount of plastic in my life!  It has taken time for me to get in the habit of refusing straws BEFORE they bring my ice tea and remembering to to bring containers to the restaurants for leftovers.  Habits take time but these are easy. Less easy is finding produce not wrapped in plastic. Meat, chicken, fish not first put in plastic before being wrapped in butcher paper.   I find shopping in stores more of a struggle. Lining my garbage cans with paper ( what I use to do when groceries came in free paper bags) is doable.  I already did vermicomposting which always makes me feel good.  My trash is literally nearly 90% plastic wrapping. This plastic free July is a good start. Plus I bullied all my friends and houseguests  to join in!  

Social change takes time. Plastic still haunts us daily and will forever, but we CAN make a difference. 

Aware oof the challenge and striving to do it

My waste audit was for one week. I wasn't very good at keeping track of trash/waste that I generated at work. Most of my waste was recyclable or compostable. I did receive a package in the mail that contained much more plastic than I was expecting. I need to be more aware of food packaging and ask loved ones to be aware of what packaging materials they are sending in the mail.

Interviewed a company that is repurposing old surfboards into art. Very cool business and inspiring.

These beautiful foggy mornings make for a mysterious walk along the beach....picking up trash can be an adventure! 

I did use a straw today but it was a reusable one and I plan on using it again tomorrow 

I love the fresh ground peanut butter in the little jars I bring to staff of life in Santa cruz. They also have shampoo and conditioner, dish soap and laundry soap in bulk. Free parking for all but additional free charging while shopping for people with electric vehicles.