Also, if you're looking for a plastic free meal, make gazpacho. I made some today and while mine didn't end up being plastic free because the bread I bought was in 2 plastic bags, you can definitely make it without bread, make your own bread, or try buying it from a bakery.

Wow! To me, it feels like the month went by so fast! I can't believe the challenge is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep challenging ourselves to keep using less plastic, keep picking up trash, or keep having conversations. This month had some wins and losses for me. It definitely wasn't a plastic-free month, like the 2 paper cups and a couple of plastic utensils that I used while I visited an amusement park. But I did pick up a lot more trash than I ever do, I posted more about the challenge on Facebook and Instagram, I ate a lot more fruits instead of yogurt from little plastic #5 cups, and I learned from the waste that I'm creating. I'm looking forward to next year, but in the meantime I'll keep challenging myself, keep learning, and keep being mindful of my actions.

I’ve been thinking about how sustainable practices can be more difficult depending on your life situation… If you’re a single parent, struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over your head, the climate crisis may feel like a distant intangible issue that you don’t have time to worry about. Or if (like my parents) you’re on a fixed income and have physical disabilities that make food preparation and cleanup difficult, you may need to rely on inexpensive “convenience” foods, Unfortunately, “cheap” food (and even food from food banks) is often wrapped in single-use or hard-to-recycle plastic. Whereas, if you have the privilege of being able to shop based on criteria other than cost, you may also possess the bandwidth to make more sustainable choices. And hopefully you do. But maybe not. Because it isn’t always convenient or easy. And humans need an easy button. Point being, sustainable products should be the norm and should be affordable. Should. Not sure how we achieve that systemic & cultural change. But seeing the commitment of folks who are participating in this challenge, I feel hopeful. ~Its been a great month of learning, reflection, and action. Cheers to all y’all! (Here’s a farm-fresh bouquet for you. )