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Welcome to Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2019!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2019 expert in no time!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums
Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2019
July 1 - July 31, 2019
Stephanie Henderson's avatar

Stephanie Henderson

Reid Park Zoo

""We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time" Eleanor Roosevelt"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 518 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    20
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    10
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    5.0
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill

Stephanie's actions

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.

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

Discover Together

I will spend 15 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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 9
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Buy Unpackaged Produce

I will purchase produce items without plastic packaging.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Utensils

I will keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Lifestyle

Natural Fibers

When available, I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Personal Care

That Was a Close Shave

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors. Why not try using hair conditioner instead of shaving foam for that baby smooth feel?

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Use Reusable Bags

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

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Personal Care

Just Say No

I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl.

COMPLETED 4
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?

  • Stephanie Henderson's avatar
    Stephanie Henderson 7/29/2019 12:12 PM
    Did any one else see the video of a farmers market vendor making bags from old tee shirts? The tank top especially spoke to me. I plan to try this one.
    Read More
  • Stephanie Henderson's avatar
    Stephanie Henderson 7/27/2019 3:47 PM
    This challenge has been a hugh learning experience. There is so much more I've learned by reading some of everyone's posts, Thank you!
    Read More
  • Stephanie Henderson's avatar
    Stephanie Henderson 7/27/2019 3:44 PM
    The web site "My plastic-free life" surprised me about chewing gum. All chewing gums are made from a gum base that many companies do not reveal the ingredients. A gum base can be synthetic and made with polyvinyl acute - a type plastic.  I'm so glad I kicked the habit a few years ago. I felt naive about what I was putting into my mouth. Some companies use an all natural base ie. Glee Gum. But on another note check out all the plastic the gum can be wrapped in too.  
    Read More
  • Stephanie Henderson's avatar
    Stephanie Henderson 7/18/2019 1:50 PM
    This challenge is enlightening as well as separating out my plastic recycling (twice as much as all other recycled material!) I have not purchased fresh berries this week because they are in molded plastic. I have not seen berries at farmers markets since this challenge started. Even the frozen berries are in plastic bags. My family and I love berries!
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    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?
    Stephanie Henderson's avatar
    Stephanie Henderson 7/18/2019 12:52 PM
    I'm guessing the packaging helps get more fruit and veg. to the consumer in better condition. Therefore we buy more. The plastics maker, the producer and the consumer are served. What does someone else think?

    Read More
    • Megan Depper's avatar
      Megan Depper 7/18/2019 3:55 PM
      Just like you eat with your eyes you also shop with your eyes. People like things to look nice and packaged. I think the producer benefits. People buy more when things look "nice". As a consumer its frustrating that everything is in plastic. 
      Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Personal Care
    Do some research on polystyrene and polyvinyl. How many items in your house already contain these toxins?
    Stephanie Henderson's avatar
    Stephanie Henderson 7/09/2019 4:11 PM
    I found a good website listing some shopping tips for safer school supplies: state.nj.us under Health links, PVC

    I learned these plastics can be all over my house in the plumbing,  in my vehicle and possibly in the containers used for fresh berries and yogurt etc.
    Read More