Deb McNamara

This year I'm focusing once again on TRASH and FOOD. I am committed to eliminating plastics (yes, all of them) - from my food purchases - an ongoing struggle in a culture addicted to convenience food. I'm committed to cutting out snack foods that are plastic dependent. No plastic bags of cereal. No plastic bags of rice. No plastic anything. Why? Because food wasn't meant to be wrapped in something that never biodegrades! It strikes me as high time to take some action and stop going with the status quo.

Furthermore- I'm taking this year's challenge beyond the personal and commit to contacting food companies daily to encourage them to go plastic-free and introduce compostable packaging. So - to sum it up: less trash, less plastic, less packaging and more whole foods and bulk foods (preferably local!) - with a dash of daily phone, email and letter activism to food companies. Time to start talking about this and putting pressure on the food companies who dominate the food industry! Please consider joining me in this two week challenge either by taking your own actions - or by supporting me with a pledge! Love, Deb...

My EcoChallenge Blog

October 15th, 2011

Last day today! Thank you all so much for your support in so many ways. I so appreciate it!~ I thought of a few other things to share for those wanting to cut out the plastics and non-biodegradable wastes. 1. use biodegradable garbage bags and dog poop bags ( a great company is Bio Bags - order here: http://www.biobagusa.com/ 2. I found a pasta company with 100% biodegradable packaging: Jovial (http://www.jovialfoods.com/) 3. If you have kids still in diapers, use Nature Baby Care diapers and wipes. 100% biodegradable diapers and packaging (http://www.naty.com/us/Home/tabid/90/Default.aspx) See my next blog post on here for all the things I've been focusing on if you are inspired to cut out some more waste in your lives. Here's to hoping our society (we!) figure out solutions fast to our environmental problems... much love, deb

October 12th, 2011

Hi again... A bunch of you have asked about tips for going plastic free. Here is a recap of what i am trying out and what feels do-able long term. the good news is that everything i am eating is absolutely better for me! and FRESHER!!! okay - here goes. 1. bring your own bags to the store. both big and small. reuse the plastic bags if you need to put fruit and veggies in bags, or use small paper bags. 2. Buy in bulk. Choose your snack foods based on what is available in bulk. and bring your own bags or containers to fill. You can also get shampoo, peanut butter, spices and the like in bulk at places like whole foods (hopefully other stores are catching on??) 3. Buy your breads fresh from a bakery and bring your own bag to have them put it in. This takes extra work since a lot of stores don't have a bakery but it is worth it to find one that does, or find a bakery to support. This cuts down on a huge amount of plastic AND the bread just tastes better fresh anyway!!!! 4. Buy your meats from the deli and ask them to put it in the brown paper (a lot of stores carry this but use plastic instead. i don't know why). The brown paper with the inner film DOES break down (at least this is what I've been told). Again, it means fresh meat and yes, more money too I realize - but if you must eat meat or fish if you buy it fresh you can avoid the packaging damage. So if you can it is worth the extra... 5. Cheeses are a whole other animal. I am opting for buying the cheeses in recyclable plastic containers (like mozzerella/buffalo mozzerela) - there IS a plastic film to peel off so still some waste, but better than the shrink wrapping. You can also buy it fresh and ask for the brown paper. 6. Try to buy milks/alternative milks that don't have the plastic caps - OR, find out where to recycle the caps. Some places do (I am still working on this). 7. Say no to chips and junk food. It isn't good for us anyway, right??? 8. Try to buy the yogurts that have the foil peel v. the plastic peel. I am not a yogurt eater but with a little sleuthing you can figure out which brands don't use the inner plastic peel. I think brown cow uses the foil one (?) 9. Bring your own tupperware when going to a restaurant/eating out (for leftovers). 10. Say no to plastic silverware. I carry my own when I know I may need them. I hope these are helpful!

October 11th, 2011

Hi all! I am so overwhelmed by your show of support and encouragement! THANK YOU! This challenge has been particularly poignant as I am really working to take the change beyond my own personal actions. Companies seem to have a pat answer to my queries about what they are doing to address their carbon footprints, but WASTE is a whole other animal. It seems to be a less attended to realm of operations. Today I got EmergenC to take my comments to upper management. I encourage you all to put pressure on the companies you support to find sustainable, biodegradable packaging! The more they hear it from us, the more likely they will be to prioritize waste reduction. Thanks again for all the support! I'll keep you posted these last few days...

October 10th, 2011

Hi all! I've been hearing back from some of the companies I've reached out to. The news isn't so encouraging. Everyone seems to be waiting for someone else to find a solution/lead the way. Everyone was watching Sun Chips and their biodegradable packaging and I guess since they had to retract it, other companies are scared to sacrifice quality and 'freshness.' Just got off the phone with Pirate Foods (parents, you know - Pirate Booty manufacturers!) - and while they and EmergenC both say they "are looking" I don't get the sense it is a priority. However - good news from Whole Foods today to share: Encouraging they seem to be proactive! Hello Deborah, Thank you for taking the time to write to Whole Foods Market with your feedback about packaging. We do realize the importance of this issue, and we are continually and actively seeking a supplier that can provide cost-effective, sturdy, and reliable food containers that are able to be recycled. Once we do find containers that meet our qualifications, we will incrementally introduce them throughout the company. In addition, we have begun to test other alternative packaging materials, including bulrush, or biodegradable cattails. Takeout containers in many of our stores are made from this material, and we are actively looking for other alternatives to replace packaging materials in our stores with greener materials. For example, our Southwest Region is piloting a program that uses paper wrapping for deli sliced meats and cheeses, eliminating the plastic. --- I'll keep you posted! Deb

October 4th, 2011

Focusing on Whole Foods for some activism/outreach right now (local, regional and beyond). Other companies I'm targeting right now: EmergenC, Amazing Grass, Cascadian Farms. Remembering to carry metal utensils with me in my purse for food on the go. And remembering a constant tupperware in my bag for leftovers when out. These are the small things that need to become long term everyday habits!

October 3rd, 2011

Hi all! I am underway! Had my first grocery store trip and am wondering about these items for long term: alternative milks (almond, coconut, etc) - is there a product that DOESN'T have the non-recyclable plastic twist cap? And, Tofu? Any product without the plastic peel? Otherwise going strong with a plastic-free agenda. If I can't find an alternative to the above, I will look into recipes. I am targeting Whole Foods today for activism/outreach. Thanks so much for your help!!! Love, Deb

September 27th, 2011

Hi all! Thanks for the show of support and solidarity already! So glad some of you are along for the ride with me! Barbara, I do try to bring my own containers when buying bulk. I however need to work on entrenching this habit. That is on the radar for this challenge period! Thanks for your support all! Love, Deb

Comments

From: Emily Biever

Deb, I love you! Thanks for being a beautiful presence and inspiration on and FOR this earth! I will walk your challenge along side you (I may need to elicit some tips!) Love and gratitude, Em

From: Barbara Duncan

Hi Deb, It's wonderful having you as a NWEI resource and role model. So when you buy in bulk, do you bring your own containers? I need to know to keep up with one of my longest NWEI support system. Thanks for all you do! Barbara

From: Anna MacNeish

Go Deb! We support you in your eco-challenge and will reduce our plastics as well! I wonder if the food packaging companies could make their containers out of corn or corn starch? We buy doggie bags that are made out of corn. Also, our new trash bags made by Green Genius biodegrade in a landfill in 1-10 years instead of 100,000 years. As always this is an inspiring topic Deb! You go!!

From: Katherine Solt

Go Deb! Miss ya :)

From: Carolyn Deuel

Best wishes on your work, Deborah! Wishing you joy, Carolyn Deuel

From: Stephanie Tolk

Good luck, Deb! Guess you have to bring jars to the bulk aisle?Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

From: Rachel Gisselquist

Hi Deb! Always inspiring! Look forward to hearing about how it goes.

From: MARNIE FAUST

Way to go, Deb! I'm proud of you!!

From: Tracy Ash

Good Luck, Deb! It's an inspiring challenge...and it'll certainly make me mindful about all of the unnecessary plastic I use!

From: Emily Kallio

Way to make great changes for our earth, Deb! Look forward to hearing how it goes and getting more inspiration for myself.

From: Kerrie Cruickshank

Deb, You are such an inspiration! Good luck with this year's challenge!!

From: Devon Corbet

Go Deb! Rid us of those plastics! Dev

From: Anthony Gross

Dear Deb, Please accept this small contribution towards your goal. Best of luck in meeting your goal! We miss you and look forward to seeing you soon! Much love, Tony & Liz

From: Kathryn Eckhardt

Deb, Thank you so much for taking on this challenge. I imagine it is even trickier to avoid convenience foods and their packaging with a toddler in the house! Since we came home from Central America and moved into the non-Boulder-bubble subburbs, I am overwhelmed by the amount of plastic that has crept into our life from the Dollar Store deals to the never-ending plastic bags that I keep meaning to wash and recycle and ban! It is so inspiring that you seek ever new ways to love and care for our earth.

From: Jennifer Parsons

You inspire me Mama! :) ~jen

From: jules rookstool

Deb, Thank you for your inspiration and taking on this huge challenge. One step and a time and you will reach the top of the mountain. Thank you for sharing. Love, Jules

From: Timothy Murray

Bravo, Deb! And good luck... We love and miss you to smithereens. Kiss that Rowan for us. t&k&aq&j

From: Deb McNamara

you all are so awesome! thanks!

From: Thomas Szabo

You ROCK! xoxo, t.

From: Carolel A Biederer

Sorry it's so little Deb

From: Melissa Schmitt

Hope this helps! Xoxo mel mat and mel!!

From: Elisabeth Shea

You're an inspiration, Deb!

From: kelly bailey

love you Deb! Keep up the great work - i should try a day without plastic - what do you put your fruit and veggies in when you buy them at the store? Kelly

From: Cy Englert

Thank you for caring for Earth.

From: Kelli May

Deb, you are an inspiration! I feel so good giving you my money because ou are working hard to actually making real change grass roots style. So practical to just start with your own actions and I still need to make that change personally. Your dedication in admirable!

From: Kelli May

Deb, you are an inspiration! I feel so good giving you my money because ou are working hard to actually making real change grass roots style. So practical to just start with your own actions and I still need to make that change personally. Your dedication in admirable!

(back to list of individuals)

My EcoChallenge(s)

Sustainable Food Options

Trash Reduction

My Fundraising Goal

$1250

My Pledge Tally

$1340

My Pledgers

• Emily Biever
• Leah Warren
• Barbara Duncan
• Anna MacNeish
• Katherine Solt
• Carolyn Deuel
• Stephanie Tolk
• Joan Ellen McNamara
• Rachel Gisselquist
• MARNIE FAUST
• Tracy Ash
• Emily Kallio
• Kerrie Cruickshank
• Devon Corbet
• Anne Chapman
• Anthony Gross
• Kathryn Eckhardt
• Jennifer Parsons
• jules rookstool
• Timothy Murray
• Thomas Szabo
• Carolel A Biederer
• Melissa Schmitt
• Elisabeth Shea
• kelly bailey
• Cy Englert
• Sarah Menzies
• Rita Spring
• Kelli May
• Mary Peraro
• Kjersten Morrison