Alexis Means

Detroit Zoological Society's Green Team

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
462 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

21

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

21

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

41

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

1.0

zero-waste meal

consumed

Alexis 's actions

Food

Use Reusables at Work

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

COMPLETED 21
DAILY 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 20
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Water Bottles

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 21
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use a Reusable Mug / Collapsible Cup

I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own collapsible cup.

COMPLETED 21
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY 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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Cook a Zero-Plastic Waste Meal

Do an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some resuable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable?

Alexis Means 7/11/2019 7:05 AM

We don't have a huge amount except the seemingly indispensable zip loc bags. Sometimes we use plastic wrap but prefer foil--maybe that is worse--not sure. This may be almost impossible to totally eliminate. I have tried to do the plastic free dinner. Probably won't happen. Even if I buy fresh carrots they are in a plastic bag. The turkey meat is wrapped in plastic. The advantage is now I see it more but don't know how to get rid of it. I am sure there will be an impact to zero waste although my one house won't be huge. I think my grandparents knew how to do it. I remember them washing everything and reusing it. They were a green generation.

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- Rachel Handbury 7/11/2019 9:50 AM
  
  I have had success making a plastic free meal after visiting the Farmer's market - but yes, shopping at the grocery store with the goal of going plastic free is incredibly hard and eye opening.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Use a Reusable Mug / Collapsible Cup

Great job on getting rid of your disposable cup habit! How does it make you feel? What's next on your list to reduce your waste?

Alexis Means 7/05/2019 5:49 AM

The cup habit is not really challenging since I can keep a cup on my desk. On my off days however if I go to the coffee shop I don't take a cup with me. That would be a challenge.

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Alexis Means 7/04/2019 7:57 AM

The last goal of preparing a zero single use plastic waste meal is proving difficult. Getting use to the extra dishes though from not using disposable!

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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?

Alexis Means 7/04/2019 7:55 AM

One of my co-workers bring reusable every day and her actions help me not use disposables so I hope my switching also helps others.

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