Kim Smith

GPSEN

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
845 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

5.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

55

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill

Kim's 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

Use Reusable Bags

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

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Minimize Packaging

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

COMPLETED 26
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

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?

Kim Smith 7/31/2019 6:01 PM

Last day... went to a restaurant. Water showed up in plastic glasses. :( It lead to a good conversation and everyone ended up giving me their plastic cups, so we could bring them back to our place to reuse. Goodness, this has been challenging when we go out to public places.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Advocate For More Food Packaging Options

Single use plastics have become normalized in our society to the point that most people don't see them as a problem. What would you say to a friend, colleague, or family member who may not understand why these disposables are an issue?

Kim Smith 7/27/2019 7:40 PM

My partner and I have been in a lot of social situations this month, including a conference, family events, and a funeral. This has brought us into interaction with a variety of practices, from educational institutions, government buildings, plane travel, restaurants, churches, and personal homes. Each time we have a chance, we talk about our EcoChallenge. Generally, it starts when someone offers me some kind of food item and I tell them that I am participating in the EcoChallenge and am trying to take actions each day. I ask if they can help me by either offering an alternative serving item, such as a durable plate, cup, or silverware, or not giving me a bag or straw. They always seem interested, if not perhaps a little ashamed. The food coordinator at this huge church actually thanked us and said that they are going to purchase compostable materials asap and they apologized for their plastic plates and glasses that they were using during the funeral reception. That felt like we made a difference.

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Kim Smith 7/26/2019 12:08 PM

It took some effort, as I kept having to dodge plastic cups and plates at the memorial, but I made it through with seeking out alternatives.

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Kim Smith 7/24/2019 11:37 AM

It really just takes a little effort to be prepared with cloth bags and reusable cups and the behavioral practice to remember to ask or no bag or request if it is OK to use a reusable cup. I was worried about the plane, but thankfully, the flight attendant put my drink in my AASHE Cupanion cup. So, the name and message hopefully made a difference, too. :) It certainly helps start conversations.

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Kim Smith 7/22/2019 11:59 PM

In addition to limiting any packaging and not taking a plastic bag, I continued to meet my commitment to not increase treadmill by shopping at a used clothing store. I don't often buy clothes, but when I do I try to reuse. Thank you, Value Village.

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Kim Smith 7/21/2019 11:34 PM

A HUGE success today! I flew on Alaska Air back to Portland and was anxious about their use of plastic. Beyond the angst over the carbon footprint of flying, I did not want to receive any drinks in plastic cups. I asked the flight attendant if I could just have a can of tonic water. I explained that I didn't want to use any plastic. He seemed pleased and handed me the can. Later, I realized that they had a local beer in a can and went back to the galley to ask if I could purchase one. He asked if I was the person who did not want any plastic before and I confirmed that I was. He was so happy for that, as he and his girlfriend are trying to explore different ways to decrease their plastic use. We ended up in a great conversation and he actually made notes on the EcoChallenge. Can you imagine if we could actually shift corporate behavior? Like, seriously, having Alaska Air take on the Plastic Free July EcoChallenge next year. Very exciting!

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Kim Smith 7/19/2019 5:16 PM

That was close! My partner and I were at a restaurant and the server brought a styrofoam take-away box and plastic bag for the leftovers. We looked at each other and cringed. While this doesn't totally count, since we were at the meal, our friend chose to take the leftovers and container. So, we officially still met our EcoChallenge. It led to a really, really good conversation at the table among the five of us.

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Kim Smith 7/17/2019 4:26 PM

Thank goodness, it all worked today! I was able to ask for some soy milk for the coffee and at least they had that available as an alternative to the little plastic creamers. Plus, I remembered to bring my own mug and tupperware for lunch, so everything was reused.

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Kim Smith 7/17/2019 1:15 AM

Sadly, our conference had lunch for us and it came in a styrofoam clam shell. So horrible!

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Kim Smith 7/16/2019 3:17 AM

Darn! I forgot my cup today.... I did find a paper cup to use for some coffee, but still feel bad about throwing it out. Plus, the conference did not have any creamer or soy milk in bigger containers. They had those little plastic creamer cups, so no milk today. Sheesh! Coffee is bitter!

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