Patti Gavin

Maryland Zoo

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
234 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

7.0

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

21

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

38

pieces of litter

picked up

Patti's 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 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Personal Care

Say No to "Flushable Wipes"

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Food

Fill a Water Bottle

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 9
DAILY ACTIONS

Lifestyle

Natural Fibers

When available, I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Cook a Plastic Free Meal

I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Food

Minimize Packaging

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

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 6
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

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?
Patti Gavin 7/29/2022 6:19 AM
I am finding this difficult to do. So much of the food in my local markets are pre-packaged in plastic. I've tried to find substitutes for those items, but it has been difficult.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Personal Care

Even though they are marketed as "flushable," disposable wipes do not disintegrate in water or the sewer system, and actually release microplastics into our waterways. How does it feel to learn this information? What do you want to do about it?
Patti Gavin 7/11/2022 9:48 PM
I was appalled to learn that "flushable" does not mean the product will disintegrate when disposed. I have stopped using all forms of wipes and stick with natural products that don't add plastic to the ecosystem.

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Patti Gavin 7/03/2022 12:39 PM
This is my third year joining the ecochallenge and I have changed my lifestyle so much over that time. I no longer purchase bottled water; I keep several refillable containers prepped and ready to go. I am constantly picking up trash from my neighborhood. I never use the plastic bags for produce in grocery stores. And I feel good about it.

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- Samantha Halter 7/03/2022 1:17 PM
  Patti- I agree. Making some small changes to your daily habits does feel good.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle

What are the benefits (to people, animals, and the environment) of purchasing clothes made with natural fibers?
Patti Gavin 7/03/2022 12:36 PM
Any time we can keep synthetic materials from ending up in landfills and thus the environment in general, we improve the habitat for all living creatures. Less pollution, less harmful material, better air and soil.

Read More