Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2019

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums

July 1 - July 31, 2019

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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?

Niki Kranz 7/20/2020 4:57 AM

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Use Reusable Bags

How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

Niki Kranz 7/20/2020 4:53 AM

I had to learn to remember always taking a bag with me. My solution: crocheting a couple of totes and keeping one in all the bags I usually have with me. Additionally, free cotton bags were distributed in the city center and I accepted two, so the whole family has enough bags all the time.

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Nidhi Kaul 7/31/2019 5:30 PM
As this month's challenge comes to an end, I want to mention all of the eco-friendly swaps I've done in case it inspires others:
- plastic to go cutlery --> bamboo To Go Ware
- plastic shampoo bottle --> Lush shampoo bar
- plastic razor --> Merkur safety razor + double edge safety razor blade refills (which are recyclable)
- plastic sanitary pads --> P.I.M.P. cloth pads
- plastic-packaged face moisturizer --> glass jar
- plastic H2O bottles --> S'well bottle
- disposable Ziplog bags --> reusable Stasher bags
- plastic phone case --> Pela "Lead the Way" phone case
- makeup remover --> coconut oil from a glass jar
- compostable paper cups --> reusable steel mug (reuse > rot!)
- plastic-packaged deodorant --> Schmidt's glass jar deo (note: this doesn't work for everyone, baking soda is an irritant...)
- disposable perfume bottle --> reusable Atlier Cologne bottle
- roommates used to trash food waste --> added a compost bin in kitchen, I empty it daily
- fabric freshener --> compostable cedar rings in my closet
- purchasing sauerkraut --> making my own
- plastic loofah --> luffa-based sponge
- paper/plastic bags @ grocery stores --> bring reusable cloth bags
- single use paper towels --> reusable paper towels (even better would be cloth towels; will get there one day)
- not upgrading my phone unless absolutely necessary (still hanging onto my iPhone 6)
- not shopping for clothing/accessories unless absolutely necessary (borrowing/clothing swaps, anyone?)
To be fair, not all of these swaps have happened only over the past 30 days - it's taken the past 365 days to do all of these. But I believe every small step that you take should be celebrated. So congrats to all of us!
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- Dana Jennings 8/02/2019 2:38 PM
  
  Thanks for this recap and all the inspiration you're bringing!
  
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Nidhi Kaul 7/31/2019 5:05 PM

***On the topic of waste***

My family grew up in India (where TP is a foreign concept), and they have been suggesting for years that I switch from TP to a bidet.

Last month I went to the doctor's office, and she also recommended I switch.

Then yesterday, I started receiving targeted Instagram ads from Tushy, a new bidet attachment brand. Seemed like fate, right?

Unfortunately, living with roommates means that I need to take their opinions into consideration as well... and they aren't so convinced.

However, once I get my own bathroom next year, I plan on investing (and thereby decreasing by paper & plastic waste... no pun intended!) I encourage you to think of the same, for both health & eco benefits.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Volunteer in my Community

How does volunteering enhance your community and/or change your relationship with it?

Nidhi Kaul 7/31/2019 4:58 PM

It brings me a lot closer to the cause I fight so fiercely for.

Sometimes it is easy get disheartened about sustainability (plastic is everywhere you look) and detach myself mentally from a cause that I care so deeply about.

Going to volunteer events re-energizes me; surrounding myself with people who are more passionate and accomplished than I am in this field motivates me to do more...and be a better global citizen.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Host a House Party

What are the benefits of hosting a house party related to getting to know your guests, connecting them to the cause you are focusing on, and building your community?

Nidhi Kaul 7/31/2019 4:55 PM

I had a "house party" with two of my roommates (whom I never see - so they were very much like guests) and we watched The True Cost. It was a terrifying and upsetting documentary about human rights violations and environmental costs when it comes to clothing manufacturing / "fast fashion." One of my roommates, who is an avid Old Navy and H&M shopper, was shocked to see the kinds of living conditions the workers in Bangladesh have to suffer through. It made her understand why I am such a "hippie" when it comes to reducing my clothing expenses and only investing in quality sustainable pieces from Madewell, Grocery Apparel, Everlane, Karen Kane, and Eileen Fisher.

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Uma Mulakala 7/31/2019 7:08 AM

Been go great keeping myself accountable everyday!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Sign a Petition

What is a plastic-related issue in your state/province?

Uma Mulakala 7/30/2019 7:13 AM

Plastic bags are creating immense land fills

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Chris Carini 7/30/2019 12:43 AM

One day left everyone!! Almost there!

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Chris Carini 7/30/2019 12:42 AM

One day left everyone!! Almost there!

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