Kearsten Walden

Virginia Zoo (non)Plastics

"I aspire to be Captain Planet...he’s my hero. Gonna take pollution down to zero! "

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
1,228 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

176

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

62

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

31

plastic straws

not sent to the landfill

Kearsten's actions

Personal Care

Lather Up

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, and conditions with either a bar or refillable option.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Use Reusables at Work

I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Water Bottles

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY 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 Containers

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

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Buy Unpackaged Produce

I will purchase produce items without plastic packaging.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

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 31
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?

Kearsten Walden 7/31/2019 7:03 AM

Congratulations team! We made it through July and we've made a difference.

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Kearsten Walden 7/29/2019 8:27 AM

Thank you to everyone participating! Your enthusiasm about this challenge is deeply appreciated.

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Kearsten Walden 7/28/2019 9:07 AM

3 days to go...keep logging those points Zoo team!

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Kearsten Walden 7/27/2019 5:32 PM

I love restaurants who not only skip the straw, but also skip styrofoam take out containers!

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Kearsten Walden 7/26/2019 1:27 PM

I’ve been struggling to pack lunch but have made great effort to not consume plastic while eating out. Easier said than done!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Use Reusables at Work

It is often true that we only have control over our own actions and not the collective community. How can you lead by example when it comes to switching disposables for reusable dishes in your community?

Kearsten Walden 7/25/2019 9:19 AM

I could probably stop asking people to eat lunch off site or getting GrubHub delivered. Then, when I do bring my lunch in reusable containers, hi-five everyone else that also brought containers.

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Kearsten Walden 7/24/2019 11:16 AM

It's the final countdown! We're all winners, folks. I'm proud of all my teammates and their plastic-free efforts!

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Kearsten Walden 7/23/2019 7:12 AM

You're doing GREAT Zoo team!! We're almost to the finish line!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Buy Unpackaged Produce

Why do you think these produce products started amassing so much plastic packaging? Who is the plastic packaging really serving -- the consumer, the producer, or someone else?

Kearsten Walden 7/22/2019 8:17 AM

As society becomes increasingly complacent and privileged to convenience, plastic companies have served this habit and make produce appear to be more sanitary, smaller portioned and well suited for a fast-paced lifestyle. It only serves the producer, not really the individual purchaser.

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Kearsten Walden 7/22/2019 8:11 AM

The reptile cups sold in the restaurant and beastro make great re-usable cups!

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