day one recap: seven days w/o plastic from Zadi Diaz on Vimeo.
So yesterday went fairly well, didn't take in much new plastic into my life except for the two unsuspecting condiment containers that came with my lunch. I have to remember to make sure to ask for no straws, etc. Those kinds of things just pop up without warning. Made me aware that there are many small plastic items that add up in the end.
The most embarrassing moment? Buying a dress and having to ask the attendant if they had paper bags -- otherwise I wouldn't be able to buy the dress. I of course said it was for a project... what can I say? I was afraid she would think I was completely nuts. Surprisingly, she completely dug what I was doing. Whew.
lunch
After dinner, I bought a chocolate chip cookie. Freshly made. Given to me in a small paper bag.
Last night we drove to Las Vegas and didn't get in until 5am. You can imagine that posting a video after an exhausting five hour drive fell second to plopping right into bed.
I did have my trusty thermos with me on the ride - so I kept hydrated. No munching on the short road trip... but I wasn't very hungry after dinner anyway.
dinner
Today will be interesting.
Woke up only a few hours ago and quickly grabbed a plum. What should be on the skin as I look down? A small plastic label. They stick those things on all types of fruit now. It makes it easier for the cashier to remember the PLU number when they're ringing you up. It's just funny how it was on an organic black plum. I'm realizing a lot of that happening now -- organic, good for you stuff, just all wrapped up in plastic. Ironic.
I'll be heading out to eat a late lunch... We're at a residential home, so there won't be much of a chance to buy anything plastic. Though, I know there are water bottles in the fridge -- I'll have to avoid opening those.
Tonight should prove a bit more difficult. I'm supposed to go to a bar... I wonder if they'll be serving alcohol in plastic cups? I might just stick with beer if they do.
Today's Lessons:
- Eating in is better than taking-out
- Remember to ask for "no straw"
- Be aware if there's dressing on the side. Make sure it's not plastic
- Freshly made desserts are better. They don't require packaging
Video recap of day two will come tomorrow. (gives me time to edit it together)
ladimcbeth said:
Something I learned on Day 1: when buying chicken at the grocery store, don't grab the pre-packed chicken, go up to the meat counter and get what you need from that guy. They wrap it in paper and put that into a plastic bag, but it's still less plastic than the prepackaged stuff. Also: you can buy things like vinegar in glass bottles, but the cap is still plastic. Dammit. Rest on my results are on my MIX blog. :)
ryanne said:
this is great zadi! i'm enjoying your documentation. seems like you're coming to similar conclusions as i have, it all comes down to food. also never be embarrassed to ask for a paper bag or to say, yeah i'm just going to carry this out or put it in my purse. yep the cashiers in VA think we're NUTS when we shove a half gallon of milk and a head of lettuce in my purse. what? my purse is huge!
Annie said:
One of the key things Sustainable Dave taught me during our interview was that it's all about training yourself. You make the commitment to say "no plastic bags" and force yourself to stick to it. He said, "Once you have to juggle your purchases out of the store a couple of times, you'll remember to bring your canvas bag next time."
Okay so I've juggled out of a store many times and I still forget my canvas bag... BUT luckily I have a LARGE purse as well, and .... I'm pretty good at juggling :)
Claire said:
Jeeze, I just realised how much easier this would be for me since I live in Ireland. A plastic bag rule thiong came in years ago where you have to pay extra for plastic bags in supermarkets, the ones you buy are much stronger reusable ones. everyone takes there own bags anyway. If you havn't got one its not uncommon to use ask for a cardboard box. Clothes shops and such usually give everything in paper bags.
I cart a messenger bag everywhere so I throw everything in that and then any paper bags in the recycling when I get home.
