Companies are still fighting to go green, and Kroger and Walgreens are the latest to join in on a new recycling project. This state-of-the-art circular shopping system, named Loop, officially launched their pilot program in May of 2019 in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. to lessen the world’s reliance on single-use packaging, according to a TerraCycle press release. First announced at the World Economic Forum in January, Loop enables consumers to purchase a variety of commonly used products from leading consumer brands in customized, brand-specific durable packaging that is delivered in a specially designed reusable shipping tote. When finished with the product, the packaging is collected, cleaned, refilled and reused, creating a revolutionary circular shopping system. Loop is an initiative from TerraCycle, an innovative waste management company whose mission is to eliminate the idea of waste. Operating nationally across 21 countries, TerraCycle partners with leading consumer companies, retailers, cities and facilities to recycle hard-to-recycle waste. Loop provides customers this circular shopping platform while encouraging manufacturers to own and take responsibility for their packaging on the long term. “Loop was designed from the ground-up to reinvent the way we consume by leveraging the sustainable, circular milkman model of yesterday with the convenience of e-commerce,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of Loop and TerraCycle, in the press release. “TerraCycle came together with dozens of major consumer product companies from P&G to Nestle to Unilever, the World Economic Forum Future of Consumption Platform, logistics and transportation company UPS and leading retailers Kroger and Walgreens to create a simple and convenient way to enjoy a wide range of products, customized in brand-specific durable and reusable packaging.”

How It Works

Consumers can go to www.loopstore.com, www.thekrogerco.com/loop or www.walgreens.com/loop to place an order. The shipment will then come in Loop’s exclusively designed shipping tote. After use, buyers place the empty containers into their Loop totes and go online to schedule a pickup from their home. Loop will clean the packaging so that each product may be safely reused to replenish products for more customers. There are also a number of completely free recycling programs on TerraCycle’s website, www.terracycle.com/en-US, where consumers can sign up for an account. Once the account is created, customers can collect the hard-to-recycle materials and either ship it or drop it off at a participating location. There are numerous different free programs that can be used and each one is for a specific product. For example, one of the programs is the ARM & HAMMER^® and OXICLEAN^® pouch recycling program, which only allows participants to ship these used materials. Other programs include products for Barilla Ready Pasta, Beech-Nut, Burt’s Bees and Brita, which can only be recycled in their specific programs. Being able to ship recycled materials or drop them off depends on each program.

How Retailers Can Participate

Right now, the Loop pilot program is available in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C. If you are interested in creating a collection and recycling program for your non-recyclable products or packaging, TerraCycle has a wide variety of platform options. Typically, TerraCycle collects post-consumer waste from your key target consumers, cleans the waste, and then works with your brand to drive equity and value. Some of the consumer product companies that are currently working with Loop include Unilever, Nature’s Path, Nestle, SC Johnson, The Body Shop and Colgate-Palmolive, among others.

The Zero Waste Box Program

Another great way to participate in this go-green initiative includes the opportunity to recycle almost anything — for both your business and your customers. This special program helps you to recycle almost any type of waste, such as coffee capsules from your morning coffee or complex laboratory waste from your business, sending nothing to landfill or incineration. To open the door for your customers into this program, you can order a permanent collection unit to house your Zero Waste Box. A permanent unit protects your box, can be styled to fit your environment or store, and offers an organized place to maintain your collections. TerraCycle can work with you to understand and accommodate your budget, styling, quantity and timeline needs. No matter your recycling needs as a business, TerraCycle is willing to work with you. They also help with recycling at events in the case your store is holding a pop-up or other related events. Global warming is becoming a larger concern, and with these recycling programs, you can feel better about your impact on the environment as well as create customer loyalty if they can come back and recycle their products at your store. Happy recycling!  

Having a lifestyle that tends to zero waste at home is one thing but in the office, it may seem more complicated.   As I begin this morning my new work 100% dedicated to Effect PH and I have to make a functional office work, I asked myself the question about what I needed and the options zero waste and minimalist.

1- Paper

In the United States, an office worker uses an average of 10,000 sheets of paper a year. To counter this overuse, use a chalkboard and chalks or an erasable whiteboard for quick note-taking. Or, if you have a tablet or cell phone install the Google Keep app that is also available on computer. Also on the computer, there is Sticky note application that can replace the thousands of Post-It cluttering some offices. If you really need paper, consider reusing paper that is no longer used or paper made from recycled materials. Of course, have a bin to deposit the papers that can be reused and one for the paper to recycle.

2- Pencils and pens

I use few pens but it remains that I need it from time to time! For now, I will use pens and markers that I already have at home! These are the pens that my kids needed at school but do not serve anymore! Whether for highlighters, ballpoint pens or felt pens, I have a few to finish. It must be said that when my children were in elementary school, they needed a lot of equipment that no longer serves them. When they're finished, I'll drop them off at Big Office in the Terracycle box. My next pencils will be reloadable feathers that can be filled again and again. For the highlighters, the idea of using colored pencils made of recycled newspaper I like a lot!

3- Accessories

Before buying an accessory, evaluate if it will really serve. Rather than using a rule, I have several options! If it's to measure, I already have a gallon to measure. If it's to make a straight line, a notebook cover can do the job. Sincerely, I do not need a rule but if I had to have one, I would choose a stainless steel. To staple leaves together, I fold the left edges simply. And if the document is bigger, which is very rare, I use a recovered string! For those who really want a stapler, there is the option of the stapleless stapler that is useful for up to 5 sheets. Stainless steel paperclips can also do a great job. For tape, my first option is to find an alternative.

4- Computers and others

I keep my computers very long. Mine is starting to need maintenance! Rather than opt for a new one, I will have the defective parts changed only. Remember to permanently delete emails that are no longer useful. It does not seem, but it consumes a lot of energy useless emails. For the printer, if you really need it, go for a Mega tank. No need to change the ink cartridges. Each color has its reel so only need to change the color that is finished. In addition, the ink is good for 2 years without drying. It's a great buy for an office that prints from medium to lots! If you print very little, there are stores where you can have your documents printed directly from your computer or cell. And think about printing on both sides of the sheet. A good external hard drive to back up your documents can be a good investment. The "cloud" is great but it is not without ecological consequence. And do not forget to close completely what is not useful.

5- Others

In your office, do not have a garbage bin. You will really become aware of what you throw in the trash if you have to get up every time to go to the garbage. Awareness is a great way to help reduce our waste. If you have a coffee pod and bottled water, opt instead for a coffee maker where you can put your coffee in bulk and a water fountain that can fill the water bottles. If you eat at the office, consider using washable and reusable dishes. Compostable crockery is a better alternative to disposable but has to be avoided as much as possible. Finally, opt for a minimalist environment, so you will be more focused at work.

TerraCycle is working with major brands like Häagen-Dazs and Unilever to reduce single-use packaging.

Sip, sip, hooray! MARTINI & ROSSI^®, the leading Italian sparkling wine and vermouth brand in the world, has partnered withinternational recycling company TerraCycle^® to make the pouches from MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé nationally recyclable through the MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé Pouch Recycling Program.   Made with real rose wine, natural fruit flavors and a touch of sugar cane, MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé is the first premium frozen rosé wine cocktail that is ready-to-drink and perfect for a variety of seasonal social gatherings. As an added incentive, for every shipment of Frosé packaging waste sent to TerraCycle, collectors earn points that can be used for charity gifts or converted to cash and donated to the non-profit, school or charitable organization of their choice.   “As a family-owned business for more than 157 years, doing the right thing for our people, our partners, and our communities goes back to our roots,” said Jaime Keller, Director, Innovation Brands. “Through the Frosé Pouch Recycling Program with TerraCycle, MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé aims to cool off the summer while reducing the amount of waste that is landfilled or incinerated to be reused in alternative ways.”   As part of the MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé Pouch Recycling Program, consumers are invited to send in the empty packaging from the frozen rosé cocktail to be recycled for free. Participation is easy: sign up on the TerraCycle program page https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/martini-rossi-frose and mail in the packaging using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the packaging is cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products.   “By creating the Frosé Pouch Recycling Program, MARTINI & ROSSI is giving their customers the unique opportunity to responsibly recycle their packaging and divert waste from landfills,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. “Frosé connoisseurs participating in this program, can have fun and enjoy the moment, but not that the expense of the planet.”

In recent years with our collective, ever-growing interest in skincare, it seems like we’re inundated with choice of brands and products, all promising to salvage our skin. It can be difficult to find products that actually work for your skin type and do what they say they will, as well as looking aesthetically-pleasing enough for your Instagram #shelfie pics. It gets tougher still when you’re searching for items that are sustainable and vegan as well.   Enter Plenaire: the new UK-based brand whose debut offering is a pared-back selection of essential products for an easy and effective skincare regime. Created by Namrata Nayyar-Kamdar who has over 16 years of experience in managing and developing personal care and beauty brands with global cosmetics giant Unilever, Plenaire is redefining how we see “clean beauty.” The current lineup includes eight key products: Rose Jelly makeup remover, Tripler – a 3-in-1 exfoliating clay, Skin Frosting – a hydrating mask, Droplet – a moisturizing gel and Violet Paste blemish treatment are all available to purchase online now. Daily Airy foaming cleanser, Brightening Elixir – an exfoliating skin tonic and Vapour – a mist, are all set to release shortly.   When developing the brand and product offering, the Plenaire team worked closely with Gen Z focus groups to discover what they want and need when it comes to skincare, and where they think other brands may be going wrong. Sustainability was of utmost importance and the brand has worked hard to ensure that the products arrive in packaging thats recyclable and biodegradable and BPA-free, including everything from the bottle caps to the cardboard cartons. Additionally, Plenaire is hoping to soon work with TerraCycle in the UK to develop a Closed Loop Recycling partnership. Another key factor was vegan formulas – Plenaire’s products are UK-made, 100% vegan, cruelty-free and packed with clean ingredients. It aims to be transparent, with the full ingredient list being available to see online so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.   Of course, brand identity is pretty much just as important as the products themselves in the age of social media, and Plenaire’s is as distinctive, inclusive and Instagrammable as you’d imagine any brand developed with Gen Z in mind would be. The signature lilac hue, minimal branding and the campaign imagery that embraces diversity make it clear who Plenaire’s target market is, although the formulation ensures that many products will be suitable regardless of your age.   You can shop selected items online now at Plenaire’s web store – stay tuned for more updates from this emerging beauty brand.    

If cult beauty favourites Glossier and Mario Badescu teamed up, the result would look a lot like new skincare brand, Plenaire.   While the name, which means 'painting in open air', sounds more at home in a French pharmacy, Plenaire was actually born here in the UK. Although the brand is still relatively under-the-radar, it is starting to pique the interest of beauty editors, bloggers and skincare-obsessives alike – and for good reason.   The Instagrammable aesthetic, cruelty free and vegan status, and eco-friendly approach to packaging suggests that Plenaire is set to rival the innovative brands we all know and love, such as Glossier, Lixir Skin and The Ordinary. Shelfie-worthy and sustainable, products are housed in fully recyclable bottles, jars and biodegradable cartons, which are PEFC and FSC accredited. Plenaire is also in talks with TerraCycle, a recycling company developing zero-waste solutions, to explore a closed loop recycling partnership.   For founder Namrata Kamdar, a 'cleaner' approach to skincare was always going to be at the heart of the brand. In the majority of individual cases, dermatologists argue that ingredients like mineral oil, parabens and silicone won't harm or irritate your skin, but Plenaire has chosen to formulate its products without these and lots of other components that many of us are looking to cut out of our skincare routines. Instead, the focus is on proven ingredients such as salicylic acid to unclog pores, kaolin clay for absorbing excess oil, azelaic acid for exfoliation and calming redness, and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.   "Everything you’ll see from Plenaire today is a direct result of us talking to young people about their daily lives, anxieties and most importantly their relationship with skincare and beauty," Namrata told R29. "Firstly, our ethos is different because it’s all about sustainability and simplicity. Another big thing we found was that people didn’t want to buy a lot of different products. Instead, they wanted multitasking hero products."   With moisturisers that double up as masks and an exfoliator with deep cleansing properties, products can be mixed, matched and subbed in or out depending on your skin’s needs. The names roll off the tongue, too: Skin Frosting (a hydrating mask), Droplet (a lightweight gel moisturiser) and Rose Jelly (an Instagrammable pink makeup remover) are just a handful of products in the collection, not to mention a spot treatment, Violet Paste, which is reminiscent of Mario Badescu's famous Drying Lotion.   It isn’t all about aesthetics though. Head to Plenaire’s Instagram page and you’ll see that the brand transcends boundaries of gender, ethnicity and more. "Our brand is more of an attitude," said Namrata. "We take inspiration from Gen Z in particular, so there is a focus on mindfulness and open-mindedness, not to mention transparency."   Of course, efficacy matters, too, so what’s really worth your money? The beauty editor-approved Rose Jelly makeup remover is similar in texture to Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser, and although lightweight, emulsifies fast and removes heavy makeup (including multiple layers of mascara and liquid lipstick) in one rinse.   Perfect for those with acne-prone skin, Droplet is a featherweight gel moisturiser with added salicylic acid to exfoliate deep inside pores, and contains both glycerin and hyaluronic acid to moisturise, hydrate and plump skin from the inside out. It also makes for a brilliant primer under makeup and prevents excessive oiliness throughout the day.   Namrata’s hero is Tripler. "This is a 3-in-1 product and the one I’d take with me to a desert island," she told R29. "It can be used as a mask but on contact with water the texture changes and emulsifies into a face wash. It absorbs oil, decongests pores and gives skin a real deep cleanse. It’s also a great, light exfoliant."   What makes Plenaire a little more accessible than other brands is that you don’t feel any pressure to splurge on absolutely everything. Products like the spot treatment and exfoliator will work well alongside things you already rely on in your daily routine, such as foam cleansers and night creams.   Starting from £24, the 8-strong collection is already available online with the exception of the Daily Airy Foaming Cleanser, Brightening Elixir Exfoliating Skin Tonic and Vapour Hydrating Fragrance Mist, which are coming soon. In the meantime, a handful of products including Violet Paste, Droplet and Skin Frosting are ready to buy – and we expect a sellout.  

Sip, sip, hooray! MARTINI & ROSSI^®, the leading Italian sparkling wine and vermouth brand in the world, has partnered with international recycling company TerraCycle^® to make the pouches from MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé nationally recyclable through the MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé Pouch Recycling Program.   Made with real rose wine, natural fruit flavors and a touch of sugar cane, MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé is the first premium frozen rosé wine cocktail that is ready-to-drink and perfect for a variety of seasonal social gatherings. As an added incentive, for every shipment of Frosé packaging waste sent to TerraCycle, collectors earn points that can be used for charity gifts or converted to cash and donated to the non-profit, school or charitable organization of their choice.   “As a family-owned business for more than 157 years, doing the right thing for our people, our partners, and our communities goes back to our roots,” said Jaime Keller, Director, Innovation Brands. “Through the Frosé Pouch Recycling Program with TerraCycle, MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé aims to cool off the summer while reducing the amount of waste that is landfilled or incinerated to be reused in alternative ways.”   As part of the MARTINI & ROSSI Frosé Pouch Recycling Program, consumers are invited to send in the empty packaging from the frozen rosé cocktail to be recycled for free. Participation is easy: sign up on the TerraCycle program page https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/martini-rossi-frose and mail in the packaging using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the packaging is cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products.   “By creating the Frosé Pouch Recycling Program, MARTINI & ROSSI is giving their customers the unique opportunity to responsibly recycle their packaging and divert waste from landfills,” said TerraCycle CEO and Founder, Tom Szaky. “Frosé connoisseurs participating in this program, can have fun and enjoy the moment, but not that the expense of the planet.”

Consumers can feel better about their late summertime frosé sips now that Martini and Rossi has teamed up with TerraCycle to recycle its frosé pouches.   Global skincare brand Paula’s Choice has also partnered with TerraCycle to recycle its packaging. Both brands announced partnerships with Trenton-based TerraCycle Monday.   To recycle, send empty frosé pouches and Paula’s Choice packaging to TerraCycle free of charge with prepaid shipping labels printed off TerraCycle’s website. For every shipment of packaging waste, TerraCycle gives collectors points that can be converted to cash and donated to an organization of their choice.   Also announced Monday is a partnership between TerraCycle and Gillette that allows consumers in Canada to recycle their old razors. Gillette announced its U.S. partnership back in March.   Once received, shipments are cleaned and melted into hard plastics to then be remolded into new recyclable products.  

Tom’s of Maine, a provider of natural personal care products, has partnered with TerraCycle to announce the Brush Up & Recycle Contest.   Through October 31, schools are invited to mail in empty packaging from the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care recycling program to TerraCycle for a chance to win a grand prize of 50,000 TerraCycle bonus points that are redeemable for cash payment to an organization or school of their choice. Additionally, five schools that participate in the contest will be randomly selected to win 10,000 TerraCycle points, respectively.   The packaging from the following Tom’s of Maine products are eligible for recycling:   Mouthwash bottles and caps Naturally Clean and Whole Care toothbrushes for adults, children and toddlers Antiplaque floss containers Toothpaste tubes and caps Deodorant containers and caps Bar soap packaging   “The benefits of this program are two-fold,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle founder and CEO, in a statement. “Tom’s of Maine is offering consumers a powerful, sustainable option to divert waste from landfills and has chosen to take their commitment to their customers a step further by offering a donation that will create a lasting impact for a deserving school.”   The Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program is an ongoing activity that is open to any individual, family, school or community group.  

Monthly Expenses Rent: $0 (When my then boyfriend and now husband, C., and I moved in together, I moved into the apartment he'd purchased just before we met. Ever since we've lived together, he's paid the mortgage on our place and I've put money toward our monthly travel fund instead. We started this arrangement as a way to pay for our wedding on our own and have kept it up ever since.) Loans $0 (paid off the last of my student loan debt almost two years ago, thanks to a little help from C.) Gym: $65 Monthly MetroCard: $127 taken out of my paycheque pre-tax Cell Phone: $67.13 (C. and I share a family plan, but we split the costs by line each month) Monthly Donations: $135 (across several charities, including the National Abortion Fund, Children's Inc., EarthJustice, the DNC, and PBS) Savings: $500, plus I transfer 18% of my paycheque to a 401(k) account each month pre-tax Credit Card Payment: $450 (If my expenses are less than that, I add the balance to my savings.) Amazon Prime: $0 (C. pays) Netflix: $8.70 Hulu: $5.99 Internet: $0 (C. pays)     Day One 7:45 a.m. — My alarm goes off a little later than normal for me. I'm currently empaneled on a federal grand jury, and I have to report to court today so I won't be going into the office. Reporting time at court is 9:30. Before heading out the door, I make myself a smoothie using Greek yogurt, some plant-based protein powder, spinach, a banana, and some frozen berries. I also make myself an iced coffee using chilled coffee from our French press I made last night.   8:45 a.m. — Kiss C. goodbye and head downtown using my prepaid monthly MetroCard.   9:42 a.m. — Arrive in the jury room a little late due to an unusually long line at security. I'm informed by my fellow jurors that juror number 16 is currently a no-show. We need at least 16 jurors in attendance to hear a case, so we're in limbo waiting for her. Instead of getting dismissed, we're kept waiting for several hours while the office tries to track her down.   11:30 a.m. — After waiting around for almost two hours, we're notified our missing juror has been located and she's on her way in. We're expected to start hearing cases at 12:30, so we break for lunch. I take a short walk to a ’Wichcraft near the court. I'm usually not a huge fan of their sandwiches, but they do an amazing seasonal BLT sandwich in August and September. I get a BLT, a bag of chips, and a can of fancy seltzer. I almost die when the cashier rings up the total and it's $17. That's a hefty price for a sandwich, but it is an amazing BLT. $17   3 p.m. — After hearing several cases, we are dismissed for the day and I get ready to head home. On my way to the subway I get a notification from FedEx that they attempted to deliver a package to my address, but no one was available to sign for it. It's medication from a specialty pharmacy that I need for my next round of IUI treatment next week, so I'll need to go pick this package up from the FedEx shipping centre in the Bronx tonight. Annoying.   4 p.m. — I get back to my apartment to find out that the dryers have finally been turned back on in the laundry room! Our building is slowly updating all the gas lines, and the line connected to the dryers has been out for almost two months. We've been line-drying most of our laundry during this time, but I've let some items like sheets and towels build up. I instantly drop everything and throw four loads of laundry in before it gets too crowded. I have to top up the laundry card to get it all done. $35   5:49 p.m. — I get a notification from FedEx that my package has returned to the shipping facility, so I head out to pick it up. I text C. on my way, asking him to get supplies for dinner while I go pick up the package. He obliges.   7:10 p.m. — Successfully collected my package and headed home. On the subway back home I sit in a huge puddle of water I didn't see on the seat. This day, man.   8 p.m. — Glad to be home, but grossed out about the (hopefully) water I sat in on the subway. I immediately jump in the shower. When I get out C. is home and making dinner. He makes us pasta with chicken sausage, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Yum! We settle in for a relaxing night of Netflix. We begin the second season of Mindhunters, but I'm asleep before the credits roll on the second episode.   Daily Total: $52

Day Two

5:45 a.m. — A few times a month I volunteer at a women's health clinic as a clinic escort. We meet at 7:30 and help escort patients to their appointments through the group of protestors who come out every weekend. It's an early call time for a weekend, but I'm happy to do it. On my way to the subway I realise I left the Clomid pills I am taking this week in anticipation of my next IUI treatment at home. I try to take the pill the same time every day, but it's too late to turn back. Oh, well, it will be fine. I stop at a local bodega for an iced coffee and a blueberry muffin. $5.25   10:30 a.m. — Pretty uneventful day at the clinic, but we did have an Academy Award–winning actress join us on the street today! It was almost comical how her being there tripped up some of the regular protestors.   12 p.m.— On my way back to my apartment, I stop for a grilled cheese and tomato, a bag of Fritos, and a can of Diet Dr. Pepper from a different local bodega. $7   1:45 p.m. — I decide to watch BlacKkKlansman on HBO via our Amazon Prime add-on subscription (which C. pays for) and chill. C. is training for a nine-day bike ride across the U.K., so he's out of the house for the day and I have the apartment to myself. I try to resist the urge to nap, but I know I'll probably cave.   4:30 p.m. — I knew I would fall asleep! No matter what time I go to bed the night before, that 5:45 wake-up call kills me. C. has texted me while I was sleeping to say his ride is going a little longer than he thought. I like having the apartment to myself, so this is fine with me. I lie on the couch for a little bit longer, scrolling through social media before I get up. I'm feeling a little hungry again, but I want to wait for C. to come home so we can have dinner together. I eat Greek yogurt with peanut butter, honey, and frozen fruit on top as a snack before putzing around the apartment.   5 p.m. — While I wait for C. to come home, I decide to catch up on the episodes of Mindhunter that I slept through last night, so C. and I will be in the same place for later. While I'm doing this, I make plans with my dad to come to New Jersey tomorrow to visit my grandmother, who has recently transitioned from living with my parents to a nursing home nearby. I also text my friend K., who still lives in our hometown, to see if she wants to have lunch when I come to town tomorrow. While I relax, I order us a new Zero Waste box for our kitchen through TerraCycle. C. and I are passionate about lowering our impact on the earth, and TerraCycle is one way we do this. They work hard to recycle products that would otherwise end up in landfills. One small box lasts us about three months. $109   6:45 p.m. — C. texts to say his cycle group is going REALLY slow and they are getting the 8:40 p.m. train from Poughkeepsie, so he won't be home before 10. So much for having dinner together. I decide to heat up leftover pasta, sausage, tomatoes, peppers, and onions from last night and settle in for a quiet night with Netflix. I travel a lot for work and for pleasure, so when I'm home over a weekend, I tend to stay in and enjoy it.   10:30 p.m. — I finally give up on waiting for C. and head to bed. I'm feeling lazy tonight from all my relaxing, so I just brush my teeth and call it a night. I fall asleep listening to a Headspace sleepcast and don't hear C. when he gets in an hour later. Daily Total: $121.25     Day Three 8:45 a.m. — Up 30 minutes before my alarm, but C. is up too so we snuggle in bed and he fills me in on his ride. We make plans for the day, and he decides he'll come to New Jersey a bit later on to visit my grandmother with me, but will pass on lunch with K. I ask him if he'll grab us breakfast while I shower. I've been trying out different shampoo bars to see which one works best for my hair. Today I try one that I bought at an arts fair in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when I was there back in June. The vendor said it was specifically good for dry hair, but I'm not really feeling the difference. I've found a bunch of shampoo bars that I like, but I have yet to find a good conditioner. I make a mental note to read up on conditioning products on the train ride to New Jersey.   9:50 a.m. — C. and I finish up a breakfast of bagels and coffee. He got the bagel at our local bodega, and we made the coffee at home in the French press. I get ready to head out to catch the 11:11 train to New Jersey. We have a good-natured debate about the best way to get to Penn Station from our apartment, each of us having a preferred route.   11:11 a.m. — Off to New Jersey! I took C.'s route to Penn Station, mostly so I could stop by our neighbourhood coffee shop for another iced coffee. I use my monthly MetroCard to get to Penn and remember I have train tickets that were never collected from the last time we went to visit my family, so the trip to New Jersey costs me nothing. $3   12:25 p.m. — I am a little early to meet K. for lunch, so I stop in Bluemercury to check out their hair products. I end up leaving with a small bottle of Moroccan Oil. I want to try it out and see if it will work well for me before committing to a larger bottle. $15.99   2 p.m. — K. saves me the walk to my parents' and drops me off on her way home. She's had some health issues over the years that have made it hard to make plans, but I am glad we had a chance to catch up. She is starting a grad program next week, and I'm excited for her. We shared fried pickles, and I got a Diet Coke plus a mixed-greens salad with chorizo, black beans, and avocado. K. had a Chicago-style pork roll with sweet-potato waffle fries. We split the bill down the middle. $21.32   3:15 p.m. — C. texts to say he is a few stops away, so I leave my parents' and drive to pick him up. We head directly to my grandma's nursing home. She's sleeping when we get there and a little groggy for the rest of the visit, but we stay for about an hour before letting her rest. I stop at a CVS on the way back to my parents' to get some styling mousse. $4.68   5:25 p.m. — My Dad drives us to the train, and C. and I head back to NYC. We discuss what to do for dinner and decide that I'll stop at the grocery store on my way back to the apartment, and C. will head straight home with some of the stuff I brought back to the city from my parents' place. I still have a ticket from our last trip to NJ, so the train trip back costs nothing.   7 p.m. — I part ways with C. at Penn Station so I can head to the west side to go to Trader Joe's and he can head home to the east side. I wish the UES had a Trader Joe's, but it's not the worst getting to the west side location. Except, of course, the 1 train isn't running this weekend, so I have to take a detour. I make it to Trader Joe's and leave with breaded chicken, frozen berries, Greek yogurt, plant-based protein powder, mustard, potatoes, peaches, bananas, and an impulsive purchase of some gummy candy. $39.72   7 p.m. — On my way to the crosstown bus, I make a second stop at Fairway to get some more veggies. I hate that Trader Joe's packages so much of their vegetables in plastic, and I don't mind making the second stop to avoid this. Especially since there is already so much plastic packaging involved in the items I did buy (most of which can go in our TerraCycle box, but still). I pick up some green beans in my reusable produce bag and two carrots. $2.02   7 p.m. — One last stop on the way to the bus! I stop at Lush to pick up a few items from their Naked range. I get a body-lotion bar and a hot-oil hair treatment, plus one of their shampoo bars that I love because I am still thinking about my disappointing shampoo bar from this morning. Besides the hot-oil stick, which is single-use, these items will last me a while. $39.03   8:30 p.m. — Arrive home and pass the groceries over to C. I don't like cooking, nor am I very good at it, so C. does most of the cooking for our joint meals. I get comfy on the couch while he does his thing. He uses the food I just bought to make us breaded chicken with veggies. He also makes himself mashed potatoes, but I stick to the green beans.   9:30 p.m. — We settle in to watch Mindhunter. We discover I watched one too many episodes when I was trying to catch up. While C. catches up to me, I make my lunch and coffee for the morning. I basically eat the same thing for lunch during the week. Each night I make a spinach salad with capers, feta cheese, and frozen shrimp from Trader Joe's that I defrost overnight. I top it off with Trader Joe's Greek feta dressing. I also pack a peach and a green pepper I slice up for a snack and make coffee that I will chill overnight for an iced coffee in the morning. We watch one more episode of Mindhunter before calling it a night around 11.   Daily Total: $125.76   Day Four 6:05 a.m. — Alarm goes off, but I snooze. I use the iPhone bedtime feature as my alarm so the sound builds gradually, which makes me feel like snoozing is not so bad. C. would probably disagree.   6:45 a.m. — I finally get out of bed and start getting ready for the day. I jump in the shower and bring my new Moroccan Oil with me. When I get out, I make my standard breakfast smoothie using Greek yogurt, plant-based protein powder, frozen berries, and a banana. I realise I used all the spinach I had to make my lunch last night, so I grab a reusable produce bag and make a note to get some on my way home from work. I gather the lunch and coffee I prepped the night before and give a sleeping C. a kiss before heading out the door.   8:15 a.m. — Arrive at work. I am usually one of the first people in the office in the morning. I like to get a jump on the day before all the meetings start up. Today I have to report to jury duty at 10:30, so I am extra grateful for the time to get stuff done. I reply to emails and keep a few projects moving before heading to court at 10.   12:45 p.m. — We break for lunch, and I eat my salad in the juror break room. I also help myself to a small pack of Welch's fruit snacks that are in the break room for jurors and other court officials to snack on. We have some downtime until our next case at 2, so I take the rest of the time to read my book.   3:45 p.m. — After hearing two more cases, we're done for the day and I head back uptown. I take it as a huge personal triumph that I remember to stop for spinach, and as a result treat myself to a black-and-white cookie. $9.18   5 p.m. — I arrive home and throw a load of laundry in before digging into work emails that came in while I was in court. I still have money on the laundry card from the weekend, so no need to top up.   7:30 p.m. — C. gets home just as I am putting away the last of the laundry. Per usual he is on cooking duty, and we have the same meal as last night —chicken with veggies, plus potatoes for C. I do my Lush hot-oil treatment while he cooks.   9:30 p.m. — Dinner is done, and C. and I settle in for some more Mindhunter. While we are watching, I prep my standard lunch salad and coffee for the morning. We call it a night around 11.   Daily Total: $9.18     Day Five 5:50 a.m. — Ugh. Another early morning, but it can't be helped. I need to go to the NYU Fertility Centre this morning to have blood drawn and an ultrasound to see if I am ready for my trigger shot for the next stage of my IUI treatment. I make my standard breakfast smoothie (today with spinach, since I remembered to buy some yesterday!), pack up my standard lunch salad, and prep my iced coffee that I made last night. I'm out the door in about 40 minutes. Since this is a walk-in facility, I try to always go first thing in the morning, so I don't have to wait too long.   7:10 a.m. — I use my monthly MetroCard to take the bus downtown. I am the second patient in the waiting room. After several attempts to find a vein, I get my blood drawn and get to see my actual doctor for the ultrasound. I'm not ready for the trigger shot, and she tells me I'll probably have to come back on Thursday, but the office will call to confirm once they've processed the blood work. Thankfully, my insurance has been great so far, so this visit will cost me nothing.   8:15 a.m. — I have jury duty again today. This makes three days in a row, which is a first. Since I was selected on August 1, I've only had to report a handful of times, but I guess things are picking up. I don't need to arrive at court until 9:30, so I take the subway to the office to answer emails and get some work done.   9:30 a.m. — We have three cases to hear this morning, so I settle in for a few hours of civic duty.   1:15 p.m. — We're dismissed for the day, and I take the subway the two stops to my office. I'm really getting the full use of my monthly MetroCard today! When I arrive in the office, I catch up with my friend N., who has been on vacation for the last two weeks, and then eat my salad at my desk.   3:20 p.m. — I snack on the peach I brought with me this morning before heading into a meeting. I have two easy meetings this afternoon, and then we have a company mixer. We recently moved to a new building, so this is an attempt to get us to socialise with our new floormates. I usually hate the idea of forced fun, but hopefully this will be a good afternoon distraction.   6 p.m. — The mixer is very crowded and very loud, so I grab a cupcake, say hi to a few people, and then head back to my desk. I call in and find out I have jury duty again tomorrow, so I am glad I bailed on the party early, since I will be out again. I check a few things off my to-do list and text C. to see when he was thinking of leaving work. If our schedules line up, we try to take the train home together in the evening, but he is taking a spin class at the gym tonight in preparation for his upcoming nine-day bike trip, so I head home alone.   7 p.m. — I am beat from my early morning, and as previously mentioned, I hate cooking, so I keep it simple and have some Greek yogurt with peanut butter, honey, and berries for dinner. I don't have much motivation for anything else, so I lie on the couch and read for a little until C. gets home. He makes himself cereal for dinner, and we settle in for the last episode of Mindhunter. I fall asleep about 20 minutes into the episode.   Daily Total: $0   Day Six 6:45 a.m. — I was honest with myself about what time I thought I would ACTUALLY get out of bed this morning so I don't disturb C. with my snoozing. I take a quick shower and then make my breakfast and lunch. It's the same as previous days: smoothie for breakfast, spinach salad with shrimp, etc. for lunch. But I fell asleep last night before making my lunch salad, so it takes me a little longer this morning. I'm still out the door by 7:30.   8:15 a.m. — I arrive at work, determined to be productive until I have to leave for jury duty at 10, but I get sucked into chatting with my other friend N. about work and lose at least 30 minutes. Oh, well!   10 a.m. — Take the subway the two stops to jury duty and put in an hour at the courthouse. Two of the cases we were meant to hear today got canceled, so I'm headed back to the office way earlier than expected!   12 p.m.— I'm starving, so I eat my salad and the peach I brought for lunch promptly at noon, while getting my to-do list in order and prepping for my afternoon meetings.   3 p.m. — I'm still hungry, so I head upstairs to the vending machine and grab a Twix AND a packet of Smartfood popcorn. $1.50   5:30 p.m. — I call the jury office and find out I need to report to jury duty AGAIN tomorrow. Being on a grand jury is no joke. I set my out-of-office and call it a day. I text C. on my way out to coordinate evening plans. We're both headed to the gym, but make plans to eat dinner together.   7 p.m. — I do 30 minutes on the elliptical before heading home. C.'s taking a class downtown, so I eat a spoonful of peanut butter to hold me over until he gets home.   8 p.m. — C. arrives with groceries in hand. He makes us open-face toasted cheese sandwiches with tomato and onion. Afterward, we share a fancy yogurt I bought a week or so ago but forgot in the fridge and settle in to watch some Netflix. We've finished Mindhunter, so we're looking for a new show to watch. We settle on Orange Is the New Black and watch the first few episodes before calling it a night at 11.   Daily Total: $1.50   Day Seven 5:50 a.m. — Ugh. Alarm rings waaaaay too early, but I'm headed to the NYU Fertility Centre again this morning. I take a quick shower and then make my regular smoothie and an iced coffee before heading out the door at 6:30 a.m. I skip making my lunch, so I'll have to pick something up later.   7:15 a.m. — Arrive at the clinic, and it's more crowded this morning. Luckily, I don't have to wait too long, as I have to report to jury duty again today and am hoping to swing by the office first. The nurses get me through quickly and notify me I'm ready for my trigger shot. C. and I will have to come back tomorrow for the final step in the IUI process. Then we'll cross our fingers and wait.   8:15 a.m. — I'm able to swing by the office to take care of emails and pass off some meetings, since it looks like I have a full day of court ahead of me. I leave the office at 9 and take the subway the two stops to court, where it is confirmed that we do indeed have a full day of cases.   11 a.m. — We have an hour between cases, so I take the opportunity to retrieve my cell phone from the clerk to see if NYU has called with a schedule for tomorrow. I'm also starving, so I stop at a deli by the courthouse and grab a sausage roll. $4   1 p.m. — We break for lunch, and all I want to do is go to my favourite dim sum place in Chinatown for dumplings, but just as I am about to reach the restaurant, I see our foreman coming around the opposite corner, about to enter the restaurant. Something about this guy has been rubbing me the wrong way, and I can't stand the idea of spending my lunch break with him, so I retreat and grab a sandwich and a ginger beer at Pret. It's not the same. $9.98   4:30 p.m. — We're dismissed for the day (and, I'm hoping, the week). I'm meeting a friend for dinner at 6:45 downtown, but I decide I have enough time to head home to the UES and lie down for a little before.   6 p.m. — After lying down for a little and freshening up, I head out to meet my friend D. at Murray's Cheese Bar. We met at work a few years ago, and even though we work at different companies now, she's remained one of my very best friends. We decide to share a lobster mac 'n' cheese, buffalo cheese curds, and a cherry tomato and ricotta salad. D. has two glasses of wine, but since I'm being inseminated tomorrow, I stick to an artisan ginger ale. When it comes time to pay, we split the bill down the middle. $69.79   9:30 p.m. — Back at home, and C. is home making dinner. We watch an episode of Orange Is the New Black before calling it a night.   Daily Total: $83.77