Plastic Challenge #1: cereal

It's the second day of Lent, and I'm greeted by my first challenge of the plastic fast: we are almost out of breakfast cereal.  You see, this year my family is not immune from my plastic fast--no no, they are subject to it, like worker bees are subject to the will of the queen.  (That analogy breaks down pretty quick if you know anything about bees.)

ANYWAY, I woke up this morning and realized I'd need to go buy more cereal, but DANG IT, cereal usually comes in a box with a plastic baggie in it; if memory serves me right, that bag is not labeled for recycling, but is likely either #4 or #7 plastic, and as a bag probably can't be recycled anyway.  This year, when confronted by seemingly required plastic use, I've decided to first spend time seeing how to avoid purchasing said plastic entirely.  If I MUST purchase it, then I need to either know how to recycle it, or research its recyclability and repent in dust and ashes and a blog post. 

Today, I won.  You see, I remembered that I could buy some cereals in bulk, and when I went to my local Edwards Food Giant (employee owned and operated) I found three delicious sorts of bulk granola cereal.  Problem though: the bulk items were decanted into plastic bags for purchase.  Damn!

But I have grown bold in my cause.  I marched my happy self to the customer service counter for the following conversation, carefully reconstructed from real, quality, freshly served quotes.

"Excuse me, do you have a moment?  I have a question, but it might be more of a conversation, and if you don't have time or it's not really for you, you'll probably know who I should be speaking to."  (This was probably not as charming in real life as it was in my head).
"I have a moment." 
"Well, you see, for Lent this year I've decided to give up plastic --I know--and I'd like to start by buying bulk granola instead of from a box with a baggie, only the bulk uses plastic baggies and I'd like to use paper sacks instead."
"Huh. Hey, I have no problem with what you want to do, that sounds nice, but those paper sacks are going to cost you, and they're heavier too, so you'll be paying extra for that as well."
"Mmm mhh.  Yes."  (awkward pause.  We realize we understand one another.)
"Sure, ok."
"Thank you.  Ah, where are the paper sacks?"
"Aisle 10, right after the aluminum foil, bottom shelf."
"Thank you!"

And they were right where he said.  So I took the bags to the checkout, because I WILL do this decently and in order, and own these bags BEFORE I use them for bulk purchases.

"Just this ma'am?"
"Yes, but oh, don't put up my basket please, I'll be right back.  Ah, um, I'm going to go use those bags right now.  I'll come back through your line, since you'll understand what I'm doing--I'm giving up plastic for Lent, so I'm going to use these paper sacks for the bulk foods instead of a plastic baggie."
"What an interesting idea!  I never thought of that.  I'll be watching YOU all 40 days to see how you do."
"Oh, great, that'll be fun."
"You know your bag of bags here come in a plastic bag."
"So they do.  Oh well."
"Good luck!"

I went to bulk foods, and got a pound and a half of vanilla crunch granola.   I also got a half pound each of chocolate almond and carob spirulina bar bites. I also got some kale and apples, because.  I went back to the same checkout. 

"Look at you!  Bulk food in a paper sack! What a good idea!"
"Thanks.  Can I have a paper bag?"
"Even for the kale? It's wet."
"Yes please."
"It'll get your bags wet."
"I know, turn it upside down, so the cuttings don't drip."
"Sure if you think that'll help.... What are you going to do about milk?"
"Milk.  Well, I guess that's next."
"You could do powdered milk.  Or shelf stable milk."
"Maybe someone still uses glass?"
"Maybe!  Not here.  Not anywhere I know."
"Me neither."
"Well you have a good day honey.  Good idea you got there.  Good luck!"

I tested all the items bought on the kids, and they loved them.  I explained that we'd be avoiding plastic this Lent.  My daughter said, "sounds like fun!"

Oh you say that now.  For the record?  I think the plastic bag containing the paper bags is #4, but unrecyclable.  I've saved it in my "Lenten Plastics Unrecyclable Bag" for future study. 

Interesting thought: when you recycle electronics, do they recycle the plastic coating on cords as well?

Good night folks, and have a great day.