As another Plastic-Free July comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past weeks. Week 3 started off with food and drinks being bought. It’s rude to refuse a kind gesture (of course there are always exceptions), and luckily just about everything is recyclable in my area. Week 4 closed with some plastic packaging from an online grocery order, a couple of straws, and a couple of drink lids.

Week 3

Using recycled plastic to get the most out of a product, in my opinion, is better than continuing to take from raw resources. So, three food containers and a drink lid later, the plastic for the week was done. Not nearly what it was the previous week, and these containers are reusable.

I went to the market, managed to purchase everything in cardboard since we only needed a few things, and saw that bulk sections have closed again. Since we all live in different areas the bulk bin availability varies widely. It was nice, albeit short-lived.

Week 4

I made an online purchase this week. Hard to believe we’re already into August! Anyway, I ordered 2 40lb bags of cat litter (unfortunately this brand only comes in plastic for that size), plant-based bacon alternative, and some radishes that were put in a plastic bag. They also put one item in an insulated bag that I will use to line our grocery totes. They really help to keep the cold in, which is great in this heat.

For the past two weeks, we’ve only had to throw out a few plastic straws and one produce bag. Not bad, all things considered. I wish there was a way to be able to avoid all plastics going to landfill, and instead recycle them until their end of life. Unfortunately they end up in waterways, forests, etc., breaking down into microplastics. Going forward, it’s hard to tell if we will be able to live in a less plastic world. It does have its place. However, there are so many instances where it’s not needed. I’d like to see more plastic, that is currently out there, recycled until it can longer be. While this event is focused on all things plastic, it’s also important to realize that being more environmentally conscious isn’t just about plastic packaging. It’s everything, from how the raw materials sourced (or the processes of lab-created materials), to how they are turned from one thing into another, the energy to run machines, and the environmental impacts from top to bottom. Needless to say that the whole thing has much more to it than meets the eye. I love these events because, for me, it puts so much into perspective. This summer, as with last, have been far more challenging. That being said, if we are each responsible for our own actions, the world would be a better, cleaner place.

A Side Note

I also wanted to give an update since so much has gone on. As you are most likely aware, there was an announcement made of a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard. Many big names in the streaming/content creator communities have left. In case you are wondering what my thoughts are, stay tuned. It’s going to be a long one. I had thought about uploading a video, but opted for written word instead. So working on that (and this blog in general), plus juggling a full-time position, and being a carer for my still-ailing fiancé, things have been kinda crazy. There are never enough hours in the day, and I’m exhausted, but it’s all good! We’ve also started on a couple of new projects that we can’t talk about just yet. One, however, is nearing completion.

Peace & Love, always!