Join the movement to refuse single-use plastics with Plastic Free EcoChallenge!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums

Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2019

July 1 - July 31, 2019

Compassionate Lafayette Feed

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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?

Winnie Darphin-Bacque' 7/30/2019 7:35 AM

eco Challenge is beneficial for me , fun and rewarding. I am enjoying feelings of success - and enduring 😆 failures

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Lauren M. Blanchard 7/29/2019 7:19 AM

My great aunt sent over some lentils she received from government assistance and didn't know what to make with it. 1 1/2 cup of them made a MASSIVE serving of curry. ...which I will be packing for lunch every day this week.

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Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 2:04 PM

I had several big distractions during this month-long challenge including a ceiling leak in my only closet during Hurricane Barry and a new job. But I think I changed some behaviors and learned a lot!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle Support a Sharing Economy

What are the benefits of a sharing economy? How could a sharing economy change the dynamics you have with friends, family and/or neighbors?

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 2:02 PM

I live in an apartment building with a community room. We use a table in the community room for sharing things we no longer want. Because of our close proximity I/we feel more comfortable loaning things and borrowing things than I did living in an apartment complex. I know my neighbors so much better here and spend more time with them.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Personal Care Lather Up

What are the economic and personal benefits of switching to bar soap/shampoo/conditioner or refillable bottle options?

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 2:00 PM

I discovered using baking soda for facial scrub, so I started using it for other cleaning - body soap, bathroom tub and sink scrubbing and other surfaces.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Skip the Straw

Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 1:57 PM

A couple of the places I go to regularly now know not to even offer me a straw.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Family Swap the Snacks

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

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 1:56 PM

I haven't been successful with this challenge. We had strawberries and grapes, but they came in plastic containers. While I managed to not "buy" any prepackaged snacks - someone generously gave me some. And then I ate them.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Use Reusable Water Bottles

Using the links provided, investigate the bottling practices of water corporations. There have been many cases where the water rights of the local people have been violated or even completely disregarded when a corporation decides to bottle water from a particular water source. How can you advocate for those who have been harmed by this bottling process?

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 1:51 PM

I've only occasionally bought bottled water. It never made sense to me. But every now and then someone gives me bottled water. I reuse those bottles for a while, until I'm afraid that plastic is breaking down more than I care to be drinking. Any ideas for what else to do with them?

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Family Discover Together

What concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 1:44 PM

I realized that the arguments I was having with family members wasn't good for me or for them. Inviting them to learn with me causes fewer arguments and makes a little progress.

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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?

Diane Kirksey 7/28/2019 1:42 PM

When I started picking up litter I was uncomfortable. I thought people might think, "Yuck, she's getting her hands dirty picking up other people's trash." or "Why is she picking things up off the street?" But I'm getting less self-conscious about it. Diane

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