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Karen  Benson's avatar

Karen Benson

The Florida Aquarium

"A reflection at the end of the day on how well we made a difference for a better environment is the beginning of how we challenge ourselves tomorrow. "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 969 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    3.0
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    5.0
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    55
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    78
    plastic straws
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    78
    zero-waste meals
    consumed

Karen 's actions

Food

Skip the Straw

I will keep 3 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

COMPLETED 26
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Containers

I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).

COMPLETED 26
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Cook a Zero-Plastic Waste Meal

I will prepare 3 meal(s) at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.

COMPLETED 26
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Estimate Your Plastic Consumption and Go #PlasticNeutral

I will visit rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Use Reusable Bags

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

Personal Care

Pearly Whites

I will purchase toothpaste in an aluminum tube or in a glass jar or make my own!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Takeout Pro

I will use my own containers when ordering takeout.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Advocate For More Food Packaging Options

I will advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?


  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/31/2019 8:53 AM
    Finding plastic in the environment started early this morning on a walk. Happy I found it!

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/30/2019 3:13 PM
    I went to lunch with 4 friends today. We all told the waitress "no straws please" at the same time! We didn't plan to be synchronize on our eco message.  Turns out the restaurant only serves paper straws anyway!😄

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/29/2019 6:59 PM
    Look at this cool idea for repurposing 2 liter bottles.  This would be great for herbs!

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/29/2019 6:40 PM
    Stopped by the grocery store and came home with zero plastic! Feeling pretty good!

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/29/2019 6:32 PM

    About 6 months ago, I purchased a single serving NOTHING BUNDT CAKE. I kept the container and finally figured how to repurpose it. It is my CHIP BOX!
    Perfect for taking to work for lunch or anywhere on the go! No more crumbled chips! I'm happy, happy,  happy!😊

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/26/2019 3:18 PM
    I came across a ladies electric shaver I bought years ago. Not sure why I stopped using it.
     I'm going to give it a go again so I can reduce the use of disposable razors!

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/25/2019 9:10 PM
    I am buying OUI yogurt now. It comes in a glass jar with a g foil top! Taste is yummy as well!

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/24/2019 8:39 PM
    No surprise that most of this trash is plastic! I counted 8 straws, I'm sure there is more in the pile. Straws is the most common item. Also a lot of snack wrappers and cups. Also, several pieces of styrofoam from take-out containers.

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/21/2019 4:41 PM
    Water in a box! Who knew we sell it at The Florida Aquarium?  Now I do, and so do you!
     I noticed a guest with a few boxes purchased for her family. Then today on the boat our food service brought cases of the boxed water on board instead of plastic bottled water! I noticed quite a few guest with boxed water. Nicely done FLAQ!

  • Karen  Benson's avatar
    Karen Benson 7/20/2019 8:43 AM
    Bought frozen yogurt today. Choose to buy a brand that packs it in a paper container opposed to plastic!