Megan Depper

Reid Park Zoo

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
910 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

24

pieces of litter

picked up
UP TO

2.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

60

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

1.0

waste audit

conducted

Megan's actions

Create Your Own Action

Plant Based Meal

I create plant based meals that aren't only plastic free but also animal free. Goal is to help reduce plastic waste in the kitchen as well as animal products making it more eco-friendly and healthy. plants are better for composting as well and wont have to discharge as much waste. I pick this because making plant based meals is good for you and the earth.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Lifestyle

Complete a Waste Audit

I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Share My Actions

I will make my environmental actions visible by posting to my social media networks.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Lifestyle

Travel Smart

If traveling, I will bring my own plastic free items (water bottle, grocery bags, collapsible food containers, utensils, straws, etc.) with me.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family

Swap the Snacks

I will swap out 4 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 2 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Pets

Homemade Pet Food/Treats

I will prepare my own pet food and treats to avoid plastic packaging.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY 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

Food

Use Reusables at Work

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

COMPLETED 20
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Minimize Packaging

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

COMPLETED 9
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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle Complete a Waste Audit

What did you learn about the waste you create? Where can you reduce the most?

Megan Depper 7/25/2019 10:33 AM

I have learned that since I dont have recycling where I live I tried and do my own recycling. I already try and purchase items in glass so I can resue the glass jars for storing items, for flower vases, for drinkware. I do try and compost all paper used or but add it to our fire pile, when we have fires in the winter months. I can reduce more by cutting back on online purchases, I do feel like amazon packaging is mostly plastic and it contributes to my waste.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Pets Homemade Pet Food/Treats

Does making your own pet food seem like a habit you can keep up in the long term? What else can you do to reduce your use of plastic packaging that can come from taking care of your pet's needs?

Megan Depper 7/25/2019 10:29 AM

I have not attempted to make my own dog food yet. I have made some different treats though. It seems my dogs enjoy the homemade treats better than store bought items, it saves on plastic and is healthier for the pups

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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?

Megan Depper 7/25/2019 10:25 AM

I think posting on social media is a great way to set examples.

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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?

Megan Depper 7/25/2019 10:22 AM

I would let them know that just because its out of site doesnt mean its not on this earth. I would also let them know that every single piece of plastic they have ever used in their life is still around today.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Minimize Packaging

With the added mindfulness of reducing your packaging, what have you noticed about the amount and type of single use plastics used for packaging when you shop in the grocery store?

Megan Depper 7/25/2019 10:20 AM

I have noticed that in more common stores such as; walmart, target ect.. single use plastic is everywhere and hard to avoid. I do love how the frys by my house as a pretty great bulk section as well as sprouts. Shopping bulk is a great way to avoid single use plastic, especially when you bring your own bulk bags.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Keep My Community Clean

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

Megan Depper 7/23/2019 10:44 AM

I have found that picking up litter around my community allows me to influence others while on my morning walks I have seen other people do this as well.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Share My Actions

In what ways is social media an effective tool for sharing your values?

Megan Depper 7/23/2019 10:35 AM

Social media is an effective tool for sharing my values because most of the people on my social media share the same views when it comes to the environment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Family Swap the Snacks

How does swapping out prepackaged snacks for fresh fruit or veggies benefit your family?

Megan Depper 7/23/2019 9:46 AM

most fruits and veggies already have the perfect packaging/ skin on them we def dont need any additional package. It benefits my family because most bulk items and fresh produce that isn't in plastic is much cheaper.

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Megan Depper 7/11/2019 9:30 AM

Does anyone do their own compost at their house?
It is a great way to reduce waste and give back nutrients to the earth. I've found it helps me become more aware of my waste. I found doing the trash audit has made me become a lot more conscious. :)

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Megan Depper 7/11/2019 9:25 AM

I just want to share a few items I have been using for a while now and I am loving!
1. Reusable silicone "ziplock" bags, you can even wash them in the dishwasher, freeze and microwave them. They are awesome!
2. Bees warp instead of plastic warp. I hand wash mine after using and they are amazing!
3. We bring our own grocery bags to the store but what about produce or bulk item bags. Canvas or mesh bags are great and you can even wash them in your washer.

Anyone have any other tips for food storage/grocery shopping? Id love to hear :)

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