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Marta Barrett's avatar

Marta Barrett

Maryland Zoo

"Keep the MD Zoo at #1!"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 565 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    36
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    36
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    46
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    48
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    37
    plastic straws
    not sent to the landfill

Marta's actions

Food

Use Reusables at Work

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

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Minimize Packaging

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Lifestyle

Ditch Dryer Sheets

I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use a Reusable Mug

If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusable Utensils

I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Family

Swap the Snacks

I will swap out 1 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Fill a Water Bottle

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Choose Reusable Food Storage

I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Go Strawless

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

COMPLETED 15
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?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Lifestyle
    Often, single-use and disposable products don't just create more trash - they also contain toxins that are bad for humans. What are some other single-use items that are harmful to humans?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/24/2022 11:00 AM
    Microplastics from single-use items are harmful 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    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?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/24/2022 10:57 AM
    Simply showing that it is a manageable change may be the deciding factor someone needed to make the switch to reusable items.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    With the added mindfulness of reducing your packaging, what have you noticed about the amount and type of single use plastics used for packaging when you shop in the grocery store?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/22/2022 12:41 PM
    Cheaper options usually have more packaging making environmentally friendly choices inaccessible for most people
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    How can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:21 PM
    use plastic bags to make plarn
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:13 PM
    Yes, my 16 year old sister fell for some classic eco-capitalism and purchased a SINGULAR reusable straw and case for $20. I wish I was kidding.

    • Marta Barrett's avatar
      Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:18 PM
      also yes I am sub-tweeting my sister on the ecochallenge feed

    • Marta Barrett's avatar
      Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:15 PM
      this was like a week ago now. I'm still in disbelief, like girl there are thousands of cheaper ones
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    Since the restrictions that COVID-19 has required of our society, trying to use your own cup might present new barriers, as well as new opportunities for creative problem solving. How were you able to achieve success on this action? How can you make it a long-term habit?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:12 PM
    Purchase less coffee and instead make it myself
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    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?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:10 PM
    Protesting, electing better politicians, spreading information, and contacting influential organizations
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    How can you be an advocate for using reusables instead of disposables for the rest of your community? Where are they currently dependent on disposable food packaging or eating utensils, and how can you convince them of the need for change?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:09 PM
    Usually take out meals contain disposable utensils. 

    • Kerrie Kovaleski's avatar
      Kerrie Kovaleski 7/20/2022 12:14 PM
      Yes, and delivery!  I always add a  note asking for no utensils and i get them anyway!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family
    How does swapping out prepackaged snacks for fresh fruit or veggies benefit your family?

    Marta Barrett's avatar
    Marta Barrett 7/20/2022 12:07 PM
    Encourages healthier food choices