

Mary Dobrzynski
"Going plastics free is a challenge. Can I do without plastic wrap? I totally forgot about freezer paper. Storage? Mason jars for pantry items. Re-purposed candle/jelly jars for freezing left overs. It's a start ....."
Points Total
- 0 Today
- 0 This Week
- 658 Total
Participant Impact
-
up to34plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
-
up to42plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
-
up to41pieces of litterpicked up
-
up to1.0waste auditsconducted
-
up to35minutesspent learning
Mary's Actions
Family
Swap the Snacks
I will swap out 3 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.
Pets
Invest in a Pooper-Scooper
I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.
Lifestyle
Clean Plate Club
When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.
Lifestyle
Complete a Waste Audit
I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.
Lifestyle
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Community
Estimate My Plastic Consumption
I will visit the rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 4 piece(s) of litter each day.
Personal Care
Practice Sustainable Fashion
I will spend 60 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.
Food
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Food
Cook a Plastic Free Meal
I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.
Personal Care
Eco Deodorant
I will switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Personal Care
Brush with Bamboo
I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.
Personal Care
Sustainable Suds
I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with a sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable option.
Food
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Feed
-
Reflection QuestionLifestyle Complete a Waste AuditWhat did you learn about the waste you create? Where can you reduce the most?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/10/2022 8:09 AMMinimal waste is found in the bathroom eg paper towels to clean mirrors. The kitchen has mostly food waste as there are no accessible nearby compost locations. What can I do? Hmmm .... I certainly cannot buy less veggies. And, due to "new" health issue using left over peels is out. Perhaps I can use one sheet of paper towel to clean the bathroom mirrors? -
Reflection QuestionFood Cook a Plastic Free MealDo an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some resuable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/08/2022 8:57 AMThe only non reusable plastic item I use in the kitchen is plastic wrap. I use it to wrap food items to be frozen before wrapping them in foil. All other storage items are either glass jars or reusable plastic freezer bags. -
Mary Dobrzynski 7/06/2022 5:08 PMThis year I've consciously choose few daily actions and a few more one time actions. The approach has given me the opportunity and time to delve into different actions and truly make substantive changes in my "plastic reduced" lifestyle. Not quite plastics free, but I'm working on it. -
Reflection QuestionLifestyle Buy Only What I NeedAs you have reduced your spending, what have you noticed about your 'health and safety' purchasing habits? How might this change your longer term purchasing decisions?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/06/2022 5:04 PMPurchasing only what I need I tend to use more drugstore coupons and grocery store sales. Which lends to savings and being able to purchase neccessary items should there be a food shortage or other calamities [another lockdown?]. -
Reflection QuestionFamily Swap the SnacksHow does swapping out prepackaged snacks for fresh fruit or veggies benefit your family?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/06/2022 5:00 PMAnother way to "buy what we need." Less room taken in the pantry. We today's world be are economically aiding the local farmers and orchard owners. Finally, fresh fruits and veggies are lacking in additives and preservatives which are harmful to people. -
Reflection QuestionPets Invest in a Pooper-ScooperHow are caring for your pet and caring for the environment connected for you?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/06/2022 4:56 PMMy kittens have eco friendly, flushable litter. Scooping the poop is easy with no more litter locker/bags to add to the landfill, their waste goes "down the drain", so to speak. Kitty waste and Mom's waste travel together. -
Reflection QuestionCommunity Estimate My Plastic ConsumptionWhat did you find out about your plastic consumption by using the calculator? What did or didn't surprise you?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/05/2022 6:51 PMI use 28.3 kg of plastic per year which is surprisingly low yet higher than India. I am a minimalist so the score was not a shock. -
Reflection QuestionPersonal Care Eco DeodorantDo some research on the toxic side affects of aluminum deodorant. After reading the side effects, can you think of instances where you may have experienced the side effects from this form of deodorant?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/05/2022 6:41 PMIt's been so many years since using an album based deodorant. Recalling any side effects is tough but I recall they weren't too effective especially the sprays. For the past 6 years I've been using deodorant in a jar. Aside from the periodic rash, I am more than pleased with the results. Plus, the jars can be repurposed. -
Reflection QuestionPersonal Care Practice Sustainable FashionHow can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Mary Dobrzynski 7/05/2022 6:33 PMI maintain a basic capsule wardrobe with several season specific pieces. My go to accessories are scarfs. I truly haven't bought any "new" clothes in years except for periodically refreshing basic cotton camisole tops. -
Mary Dobrzynski 7/04/2022 5:32 AMHappy 4th to everyone. Plastics free bbq? Mine will be partially plastics free. Some of the food is sealed in plastic. I could have shopped the grocery meat counter but opted for the ease of pre-shopping. Next year .... there's always Labor Day🍉