Paul Bishop

Toronto Zoo - Working Plastic Free

"To do the little things that can make a difference."

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
506 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

3.0

hours

volunteered
UP TO

14

pieces of plastic cutlery

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

8.0

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

20

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

16

plastic straws

not sent to the landfill

Paul's actions

Food

Plant a Garden

I will plant an herb or vegetable garden in my home, workplace, or community garden

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Use Reusable Water Bottles

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Volunteer in my Community

I will volunteer 3 hour(s) in my community.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Skip the Straw

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Bags

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

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Utensils

I will keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

COMPLETED 14
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 4
DAILY ACTIONS

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?

Paul Bishop 7/31/2019 1:16 PM

The EcoChallenge initiative presented me with a tangible opportunity to change my behaviours with regards to the day-to-day use of certain materials and in doing so, bring awareness to others around me so that they too could become involved. I have also learned that there are opportunities to advocate to larger entities (restaurants, stores etc.) on ways that they too can work towards minimizing wasteful practices in packaging and shipping materials. I feel that my efforts have been successful and look forward carrying on with my personal efforts in this regard.

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Paul Bishop 7/31/2019 1:10 PM

It has been surprisingly simple to make lifestyle changes which lead to the reduction in the use of disposable plastics. This challenge has brought the focus to the fore of my attention and I am confident that this will now continue as a regular part of my lifestyle.

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Paul Bishop 7/13/2019 9:31 AM

So far, so good! Actively trying to meet daily goals but sometimes it is challenging. For example, when at a sit down restaurant, I need to remember to ak them NOT to provide a straw....

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Skip the Straw

Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.

Paul Bishop 7/12/2019 8:28 AM

More and more we are seeing examples of corporations moving back to paper straws. At the Toronto Zoo for example, paper straws are the only option available. Starbucks has announced plans to eliminate straws and I am certain that others will be implementing changes soon. At home, we have purchased reusable metal straws . When we purchase drinks to bring home, we will make sure we have our reusable straws with us!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Use Reusable Bags

How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

Paul Bishop 7/12/2019 8:22 AM

It’s really not hard at all. All it takes is a little forethought (bring your reusable bags with you when you go shopping) or simply carry your items out without using a plastic bag. This is one of the easiest of our bad habits to break!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Volunteer in my Community

How does volunteering enhance your community and/or change your relationship with it?

Paul Bishop 7/12/2019 8:20 AM

Volunteering brings you closer to you community, helping you to better understand the need for help so close to home. Sometimes we think it is too time consuming but really, it doesn’t need to take a lot of time or effort and means so much to those it helps.....

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