​It all started when my mom called me up and said she wanted to collect my empty makeup containers to take over to Nordstrom because they had a Terracycle bin there. My response was," I can't just put it in my regular Recycle Bin?" Her answer was a resounding no!

I mean, of course I knew plastic ruled my life, and everyone's life, but it's something that lives in the back of my mind, not something I actively think about. More likely I am thinking "I recycle, I'm doing my part." But then 2020 hit, and my takeout and delivery orders skyrocketed, and then our microwave broke and we weren't able to get it fixed for several months, so then we really were only eating takeout, or getting groceries delivered. Everything came packaged in styrofoam, plastic, single use forks and napkins, not to mention flimsy plastic bags galore. Half of it I couldn't recycle. 

I couldn't deny that I was part of the Plastic Club. I felt horrible to be honest. So, I decided to do some research and once I scratched the surface and realized that less than 10% of the items I put in my Recycle Bin actually got recycled, I was now angry. I mean, I'm part of the generation of kids that went through the whole Reduce-Reuse-Recycle campaign in the 90s, and that's stuck with me ever since. I honestly thought everything I put in that bin was getting recycled.

So now, being faced with the facts I had to make some changes. I had to find ways to drop as much plastic from my daily life as possible. One of the websites I read made a good point though, that the goal shouldn't be for everyone to be 100% plastic free, because that is an unrealistic expectation for many people, as these products can be 2x to 3x times more expensive (ironic!), and for many, especially now, that isn't feasible. So, even if you only replace one thing for something plastic free, that is better than nothing!

So, my family's goal is to reduce plastic as much as possible in 2021 and beyond. We started in early December. I've been making slow purchases here and there, slowly replacing my most often used products with plastic-free ones (that also have plastic-free refills, and low-to-no plastic packaging).

Here are some of my favorite shops:

• Ethique, a New Zealand based company that makes bars for shampoo, conditioner, body products, baby products, household cleaners, and much more. Favorites: The butter bar, Heali Kiwi Shampoo, In Your Face face cleanser, and their concentrates line. Bonus: fast shipping, and zero plastic packaging for their products AND shipping containers! Also, certain items are available at select Targets
• Ingredients Matter, I can't say enough good things about this laundry soap. It gets my whites SUPER white, has gradually cleaned stained items the more I wash them, and even gets my dogs washable pee pads white and clean! Comes in a zero plastic shipping container, the box is recyclable (but the inner bag is plastic coated kraft paper, so it will need to be tossed or reused.) I bought the Lavender scent and its very subtle! Bonus: Supposedly available at certain Targets!
• If You Care Dishwasher Tablets, I LOVE these tablets! I have the worst dishwasher in the world that needs all the "extras" (the liquid stuff in the reservoir, the LemonShine enzymes) and these tablets have enzymes and other good ingredients already mixed in. My dishes come out sparkling, and I swear my actual dishwasher is cleaner too!
• Blueland, everything you need for household soaps is what this company is all about. All their bottles are sturdy glass, and all refills come in zero plastic packaging. Favorites: their spray tablets to make your own cleaner, as well as their hand soap dispensers and tablet refills.
• byHumanKind, my Mom RAVES about their deodorant, and she recently got my Dad on board with using it as well. They have other products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and shampoo bars. The deodorant comes with a reusable dispenser and you buy the refills as needed. I have just purchased this but it has not come yet, so I will let you know my thoughts!
• Marley's Monsters, everything plastic-free for your household lives here, but their claim to fame is their Unpaper Towels and Napkins. This is more expensive on the outset, but you make your money back quickly by not having to repurchase common household paper items. If you have a bidet they also have Un-Toilet paper!
• Bite Toothpaste Bits, I have not order these yet, but I plan to soon. This company makes tablet form toothpaste and mouthwash. They also sell silk floss and bamboo toothbrushes. Initially you buy a glass jar, and refills come in kraft paper envelopes. I really like that their toothpaste has a fluoride alternative! 
• Last Object, this company make washable and reusable Q Tips, makeup swaps, makeup rounds, tissues, and masks. While I have not purchased, I plan to get the Q Tip and Tissue sets.

I will keep adding to this post as I test out products. Please comment here or on my socials if you find anything you like, or want to join me in this #plasticfree journey!

​xoxo Mae

p.s. When it's safe to travel can you imagine how easy it will be when 80% of the stuff I bring on a plane will no longer be liquid???? Amazing!

This list of resources is ongoing, so please check back!

• Teaching MLK in Connection with the Attack on the US Capitol
• Black & Smart: "But what will we tell the children?"
• Teaching Tolerance  (Article)
• Facing History.org: Responding to the Insurrection (Admin should read this too!) (Article)
• Beyond the Spotlight: Resource for Teachers on the Days after the attack on the US Capitol (Article)
• Book Recommendation (Book) Thank you SmartieStyle!
• Grade 5+ Why is Protest Important? (Video) Thank you SmartieStyle!
• Grade 5+ John Lewis: Good Trouble Trailer (Video) Thank you SmartieStyle!
• Talking with Students about the Capitol Hill Invasion (Video) Thank you RealRapwithReynolds!
• Nearpod Library: Racial Justice
• Scholastic News: Chaos at Capitol Hill
• Common Sense Media: Talking to kids about the violence at the US Capitol Hill
• No Red Ink: US Capitol Hill Writing Prompts
• Nearpod Current Events: January 6, 2021

​If you have more resources to share, please comment, email, or find me on socials!