Day 100 – It’s crazy to think that I have been posting everyday for 100 days! I hope you are learning as much as I am. Everyday, I am educating myself and finding ways to treat the planet a little bit better.

I thought I would spend today’s post looking back at the changes that my family has made so far.

1. We started to compost. We use WasteNot Compost and have all our food scraps picked up weekly.
2. We started sorting our recyclables (glass, metal, plastic, cardboard and paper).
3. We started sending our recyclables to the North Park Village Recycling Center. Chicago’s recycling program has a long way to go.
4. We purchased a can crusher. So, we could start collecting our aluminum cans and exchange them for a little cash.
5. We started using reusable produce bags.
6. We started using reusable storage bags and said goodbye to Ziploc.
7. We have been using reusable shopping bags.
8. We started cutting back on meat consumption, especially beef.
9. We stopped buying individual microwavable popcorn bags and purchased a popcorn popper.
10. We stopped purchasing liquid hand soap in plastic bottles and started using Blueland hand soap (tablets).
11. We stopped using dishwasher cleaning pods (in plastic containers) and started using Blueland dishwasher tablets, packaged in compostable bags and comes with a reusable container.
12. During the winter, we turned our heat down to 66 degrees. The heat kicked on a lot less.
13. We started using dryer balls and stopped using Bounce dyer sheers.
14. We purchased a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box, so the unrecyclable can be recycled.
15. We switched our toilet paper to Who Gives a Crap’s recycled paper.
16. We switched to a pet and environmentally friendly sidewalk salt.
17. We started purchasing organic produce and other environmentally responsible products from Misfits Market.
18. We started purchasing ethically sourced chocolate.
19. We started using cloth napkins and lessened our use of paper towels.
20. We started purchasing paper towels made from bamboo.
21. We started sending our polystyrene to the city’s drop off container.
22. We switched from cotton pads to reusable pads, for makeup removal.
23. We switched to rechargeable batteries, in order to stop using alkaline batteries.
24. We started collecting our plastic bread tags for a good cause, instead of throwing them in the trash.
25. We started using powdered laundry detergent and stopped using liquid stored in plastic bottles.
26. We switched to Tom’s of Maine toothpaste, which has a recyclable tube.
27. We purchased compostable drinking straws for the plastic straw fan in the house.
28. We started taking our clothes not fit for donation to Chicago Textile Recycling, instead of throwing them away.
29. I switched to a charitable search engine. So, my internet searches will help create charitable dollars for various environmental groups.
30. I switched to a reusable shaver with blades that can be sent back and made into stainless steel utensils.
31. Everyone else is using Gillette shavers that can be sent back to be recycled.
32. We started making a point to purchase products that are produced by environmentally responsible companies.
33. We are making a point to say no to extras we don’t need.
34. We started using a shampoo that is safer, environmentally friendly and has a take back program for empty bottles.
35. We started using a bath soap bar that is wrapped in paper and not plastic.
36. We stopped using spreadable butter in the plastic container.
37. We started making our own guacamole to avoid buying it in a plastic container.
38. We have been using rags to dust and clean the house to avoid using paper towels.
39. We are donating broken crayons to a charity, instead of throwing them away.
40. We switched from disposable birthday decorations to reusable ones.
41. We stopped purchasing food in individual packaging.
42. We went from 2 bags of garbage a week to 1 bag every three weeks.
43. We stopped purchasing parmesan cheese in the plastic container and starting grating our own.
44. We no longer purchase beverages in plastic bottles.
45. Plastic utensils will no longer be purchased for family parties.
46. Homemade (made in someone else’s home) toilet bowl cleaners are used instead of flushable wipes and a sturdy reusable scrub brush (made from wood) is used.
47. Only deodorant brands that use recyclable packing are purchased. Check for the recycle symbol.
48. We stopped purchasing fruit, like blueberries and strawberries, packaged in the rigid plastic containers.
49. We stopped using multiple poop bags a day for the dogs, buy storing the bag in a small trash can between uses.
50. We committed to continue making changes and helping the planet and encouraging others to do the same.

I’m excited to see what the next 100 days bring!

Tomorrow, environmentally friendly face masks.