Grace Showalter

The last day of July, already?! For me this challenge has been extremely beneficial. Although I was not able to complete all of my challenges, this month long lifestyle shift helps me identify sources of waste in everyday life and encourages me to think of alternatives.

I found it difficult to complete my challenges this weekend. Taking food to the beach is usually a messy affair where space is limited, making it difficult to convince others to use reusable containers. I think collapsible food storage containers are a good alternative that will at least take up less space after the food is consumed. Any other ideas for these types of situations?

Shark Week starts on Sunday! I think it's a good idea to be educated about the creatures affected by our plastic usage. Plus, sharks are just incredible animals.

If you're getting supplies for the upcoming academic year (or just new office supplies), check out the pens made of recycled plastic or look to get some pen refills so you don't have to throw away a pen after the ink runs out.

If you chose the 'Watch a Documentary' challenge, here's an article with some good recommendations!
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/documentaries-will-make-rethink-single-use-plastics/

With large groups of people getting together for parties or reunions over the 4th of July holiday, I found it difficult to reduce plastic use. Does anyone have ideas for alternatives to plastic utensils, cups, plates, etc. for single large get-togethers? Additionally, what are some viable methods for selling these alternatives to other people who are not as invested in decreasing their plastic usage?

Also, I found the graphics in these articles really interesting! 
https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/plastics-material-specific-data

When trying to get people to change ingrained habits, baby steps are a tried and true method. However, in this case I'm wondering how beneficial small changes are... For instance, is switching from using plastic straws to paper straws (a trend some people believe to be more environmentally friendly) really better? (If the eventual goal is metal straws)? Similarly, does switching from single-use plastic containers to reusable plastic containers create a large enough impact? Or, should the use of glass containers be promoted as the only truly environmental solution? What I'm really asking is do you think this slow approach is something that should be encouraged and rewarded, or should we only be promoting a complete change (such as to glass or metal)?