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

Seattle Aquarium Members and Friends 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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Caitlin Foster 7/31/2019 10:50 AM
We'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!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How 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 AM
Our 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!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How 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 PM
Nuts, 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.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Personal Care

Why 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 PM
We 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.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Kelly Douglas 7/28/2019 9:50 PM
Sometimes an easy way to find reusable containers is to utilize what you already have. For instance Talenti ice cream comes in a plastic container with a screw on lid. Its perfect for small fruit, yogurt etc. I see quite a few people at the aquarium use this!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Kelly Douglas 7/28/2019 9:48 PM
For me, I usually have my backpack with me, so I can usually utilize that as my reusable bag. I try to plan ahead also. If I think I might be going to a store on my way home, I'll try to pack my reusable bags or other produce mesh bags, so I have an option with me!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle

What did you learn by making your own cleaning products? What is the biggest difference in making vs buying?
Jesús P. Linares 7/02/2019 10:51 AM
We use vinegar and baking soda instead of chemicals whenever we can. It is cheaper and more friendly with the environment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Family

What concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Jesús P. Linares 7/02/2019 10:49 AM
I share with my family, friends and students my concerns about our actions and I try to persuade them to join me in taking small actions to produce big changes!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Family

What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) does your family regularly use? What could be substituted instead?
Jesús P. Linares 7/02/2019 10:48 AM
We substitute plastic straws for paper straws or compostable straws... or if we can, we do not use straws at all...

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Rajah Anderson 7/01/2019 4:47 PM
Very excited to be participating this year! Looking forward to tackling the personal care challenges. Just now realizing how many single-use plastics I use with things like shampoo and soap.

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