metrics & goals for Project Plastic Overhaul

In my initial blog post about my personal project, I told everyone my plan to decrease the amount of plastic in my life.  However, an important part of this project are the overall goals and metrics to measure the degree of success at the end of the semester. So, I have a few specifics to share:

Because food is the main thing I purchase on a frequent basis, much of this project will revolve around my food purchases.  However, I am adding some very specific non-food endeavors too.

Goal: To decrease my plastic consumption by the end of the Fall 2014 semester.

Metrics:

• Cut my consumption of food products wrapped in plastic by 50%
• Examine plastic consumption associated with my dog and look for ways to decrease it
• Source non-plastic alternatives for at least 3 non-food items, examples:
• Personal care products, e.g. razors, lotion, chapstick, make-up
• Running or work-out related items
• School/office supplies  
• Completely eliminate beverage purchases which use plastic (lid, straw, cup, bottle, etc)

Of note, I will not be replacing reusable plastic items already in my household. While I am aware of their impacts now, I think it's equally irresponsible to replace an item simply for the sake of getting rid of plastic (ie the trashcan under my sink). Additionally, some of those items have practical value (ie my water bottles for running/biking). So, unless a health concern exists (BPA! Ah!), I will continue to use those types of items which I already own. 

So, here goes nothing!

~Katie