Skip to main content
Lauren Curtis's avatar

Lauren Curtis

Maryland Zoo

"Trying my best, learning and moving forward"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 526 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    85
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    58
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    34
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    23
    plastic straws
    not sent to the landfill

Lauren's 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 20
DAILY ACTIONS

Lifestyle

Clean Plate Club

When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Use Reusable Utensils

I will keep 4 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Pets

Rubber Glove Pet Hair Removal

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Skip Plastic Bags

When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.

COMPLETED 17
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

Go Strawless

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

COMPLETED 15
DAILY ACTIONS

Personal Care

Reusable floss

Using a refillable floss pick, avoiding single use floss.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Switch to eco friendly sponge

Switching to an eco friendly sponge that is plant based and biodegradable

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Reuse containers

Reusing food contains from normal food products.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Get glass

Getting food items with glass instead of plastic when having the option.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Use Reusables at Work

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

COMPLETED 16
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
    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?

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/24/2022 5:21 AM
    I’ve seen some restaurants convert to disposable that are biodegradable. If one place does it more can too. Hopefully the success of one place will keep spreading to others. 

  • Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/22/2022 5:38 AM
    Some changes are super easy and I’m happy to make them. Some take a bit more effort and having clear boundaries. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/22/2022 5:37 AM
    I do see people with keychain reusable straws more and more. I think the biggest think is fast food places just give them out and sometimes you don’t even have time to say no. One of my favorite small shops has started making reusable straw holders which is cool to see. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family
    How does swapping out prepackaged snacks for fresh fruit or veggies benefit your family?

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/14/2022 5:50 AM
    Less trash and just taste amazing especially on a hot day. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Lifestyle
    How easy was this swap for you? Did you have any concerns before making it?

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/14/2022 5:47 AM
    Making less waste is easier than it seems it feels good to just keep going with what you have instead of worrying about getting more. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Pets
    We know you want to - tell us about why your pet is so awesome!

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/14/2022 5:46 AM
    She is a beautiful all black cat but boy does she shed. It’s so easy and not messy to just use a glove and we can all enjoy a less hairy home. 
  • 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?

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/14/2022 5:40 AM
    My office has dishes that everyone can use including silverware, but I bring my own. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

    Lauren Curtis's avatar
    Lauren Curtis 7/14/2022 5:39 AM
    This was really hard in the beginning, but now it, it’s an automatic thing.