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  • Allison George's avatar
    Allison George 7/21/2025 11:23 AM
    • Foodie 🍱
    I'm going to start buying in bulk whenever possible, using reusable bags, so I don't have to purchase items that have been packaged.

    • Shelby Brookbank's avatar
      Shelby Brookbank 7/21/2025 11:29 AM
      • Water Protector 🌊
      I love buying in bulk for both the reduced packaging and for the money savings! It's also great to not need to drive to the store as often to restock! It's such a win win!

  • Kristen Dutra's avatar
    Kristen Dutra 7/17/2025 2:06 PM
    I need to be more cognizant of bringing my own items with me when possible. I'm really good about reusable bags, but not so good at reusable hot and cold beverage cups.

  • Kristen Dutra's avatar
    Kristen Dutra 7/17/2025 2:05 PM
    I actually started running my plastic items through a quick rinse in the dishwasher to make sure they are clean, but I know so many people throw dirty items into the recycle bin. How does the contamination affect the ability to recycle plastic and other items?

  • Kristen Dutra's avatar
    Kristen Dutra 7/17/2025 2:03 PM
    I just watched the video about where our plastic goes.. or went. It just made me ask more questions: what was China, and now other southeast Asian countries, doing with the plastic? Why did they want it? What do we do now that we can no longer sell it to China?

  • Allison George's avatar
    Allison George 7/15/2025 12:36 PM
    • Foodie 🍱
    My recycling ride or die just joined the Port of Portland Ecostars team!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    First Steps: Start with You
    What did you discover about recycling and waste management in your area that more people should know? How might you share that knowledge?

    Allison George's avatar
    Allison George 7/15/2025 12:24 PM
    • Foodie 🍱
    Green Century Recycling recycles a wide range of materials that can't be recycled in the curbside bin. Reasonable pricing, too.

  • Kristen Dutra's avatar
    Kristen Dutra 7/10/2025 2:17 PM
    I caught myself looking at the numbers in the chasing arrows symbol last night, making sure the plastic I had was recyclable. I'm a big fan of Ridwell because it gives me an opportunity to recycle the PET 1 directly through them. They have done a lot of work to reduce waster and allow for more recycling of harder to recycle items.

    • Allison George's avatar
      Allison George 7/15/2025 12:20 PM
      • Foodie 🍱
      Sadly, Ridwell was banned from operating in Washington County by our commissioners. Something about a non-compete with Waste Management, and I was extremely disappointed. However, I can still participate in the "Express" services (mail-in).

  • Kristen Dutra's avatar
    Kristen Dutra 7/10/2025 2:12 PM
    Reusable drink cups. I need to remember to have one at my desk and bring when I go for a beverage in the terminal. I was walking around today looking at the plastic cup in my hand thinking, you know you could do better.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    First Steps: Start with You
    Did your estimated plastic footprint surprise you? How does it compare to the global average? After estimating your annual use, how did it feel to put a number on it? Did it inspire a sense of urgency, or something else?

    Kristen Dutra's avatar
    Kristen Dutra 7/10/2025 10:48 AM
    I did not like seeing the actual number. There's so much I hadn't thought about that was part of the plastic problem. I forget that our electronics are plastic. I'm thinking about everything around me and it's really upsetting how much is actually plastic. I try to get the eco-poop bags for my dogs, but they still are essentially plastic! My footprint is so much bigger than I realized.

  • Allison George's avatar
    Allison George 7/10/2025 8:57 AM
    • Foodie 🍱
    Less packaging also means more whole foods (generally), which is healthier because it's not processed and contains fewer preservatives.