Caitlin Foster
"My goal is to reduce my household's single-use plastic consumption while also advocating for systemic change."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 196 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO5.0minutesspent learning
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UP TO6.0pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
Caitlin's actions
Lifestyle
Travel Eating
If traveling, I will bring my own airplane snacks and eat at local restaurants to avoid take-out containers.
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).
Pets
Thrifty Pets
I will purchase my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes from the thrift store.
Community
Estimate Your Plastic Consumption and Go #PlasticNeutral
I will visit rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.
Food
Use Reusable Utensils
I will keep 3 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.
Lifestyle
Travel Toiletries
If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me in a TSA approved reusable quart sized bag.
Personal Care
Back in the Bowl
I will purchase refillable beauty products.
Food
Shop the Bulk Bins
I will purchase dry goods from the bulk section of my grocery store, and use my own containers to do so.
Food
Cook a Zero-Plastic Waste Meal
I will prepare 1 meal(s) at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.
Food
Visit the Butcher
I will purchase meats and cheeses from the deli counter or a butcher shop, and use my own containers to do so.
Lifestyle
Natural Fibers
When available, I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.
Family
Natural Paints
I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Use Reusable ContainersHow can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Caitlin Foster 7/31/2019 10:50 AMWe're working to be more cognizant of single-use plastics as "swag" for events. For Donor Halloween, we're hunting for non-plastic pencils or crayons to give away as "teal pumpkin" prizes! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Use Reusable UtensilsHow can you be an advocate for using resusables instead of disposables for the rest of your community? Where are they currently dependent on disposable cutlery, and how can you convince them of the need for change?
Caitlin Foster 7/31/2019 10:48 AMOur cafe currently uses compostable cutlery, but with the advent of the reusable dish policy, I'm hopeful we'll institute something similar for cutlery soon! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood Shop the Bulk BinsHow has buying bulk impacted the quality of the food you receive? Why do you think Western society relies more on prepackaged foods rather than buying in bulk?
Caitlin Foster 7/29/2019 3:44 PMNuts, granola, etc. from the bulk section usually seem more fresh and flavorful. I believe Western society's reliance on prepackaged food is a result of our fixation on convenience. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPersonal Care Back in the BowlWhy is it so difficult to understand the impacts our purchases and waste have on other people, animals, and places? How might your experience with this challenge impact your future consumption and choices?
Caitlin Foster 7/29/2019 3:43 PMWe don't see the impacts of our purchases; they just "disappear" into the trash can or recycling bin. Being more mindful of each single-use plastic item helps you tally up the sheer volume of your use.