Tricia Jones
7/21/2022 5:55 AM
Whoa! I thought I was doing so good at eliminating plastic waste, but my results are slightly higher than the US Avg. Got to get to work!!
July 1 - July 31, 2022
Tricia Jones
"I will reduce my carbon footprint and lead by example."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 940 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO72plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO5.0minutesspent learning
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UP TO76disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO75plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO69plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
Tricia's actions
Food
Use a Reusable Mug
If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.
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.
Food
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Food
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Food
Plant a Garden
I will plant a herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.
Community
Estimate My Plastic Consumption
I will visit the rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.
Food
Use Reusables at Work
I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.
Lifestyle
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Food
Minimize Packaging
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
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?
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Tricia Jones 7/29/2022 10:05 PMGetting away from as much plastic as I can - no more milk jugs, laundry detergent containers, choose loose fruit and veg at store and use mesh bags, etc. For what I can't get away from (i.e., gallon jugs of vinegar) I am cutting off the top 1/2 of jug and using bottom as a plant pot.-
Claudia Zimmermann 7/30/2022 1:21 AMYou keep a part in the Circle and in my opinion it is ok. Think of all the changes you have made and how you want to proceed from 1 August. You have done very well so far, much more than others out there, One day you find your vinegar in a glass bottle and then the problem is solved. 😉
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Tricia Jones 7/29/2022 9:59 PMOk, I did not need the pair of Columbia hiking shorts I bought today, however, they were used-like new and I had credits on Amazon, so... -
Tricia Jones 7/27/2022 5:56 AMNew habit - decline to go cups at restaurants. Didn't realize how often I was leaving a restaurant with a plastic cup. Will just take the water bottle in and get it refilled if I'm still thirsty! -
Tricia Jones 7/27/2022 5:46 AMSo excited to get a 75% off notice from one of my favorite retailers - and after I filled my cart, I stopped and thought - do I NEED this??? No, I just wanted it. Progress! -
Tricia Jones 7/24/2022 4:35 PMOut on errands with my mom. She wanted to stop for a coke, we went into Wendy's, I had my water bottle in hand and advised the cashier, Mom was going to order, would it be ok if I filled my water bottle at the drink station. Yes - win/win. Wendy's had a sale and I saved a disposable cup from the landfill! -
Tricia Jones 7/22/2022 11:44 AMThe "Buy only what you need" has been challenging. I do not need any new shoes - except for a particular skirt... so I opted not to buy. Also, so many sales right now - I did buy Christmas gifts without going overboard. I've shut off most of the retailer emails - hopefully that will help. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunityWhat did you find out about your plastic consumption by using the calculator? What did or didn't surprise you?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodSince 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?
Tricia Jones 7/14/2022 7:23 AMDuring the first year of Covid, Starbucks and others wouldn't handle reusable cups - some grocery stores wouldn't even let you use reusable bags! There is more clarity on how Covid spreads and vaccines / boosters are now available - that plus everyone seems to "be over it" retailers are opening up on using reusables. A money saving idea is to brew your own coffee or tea, refill a water bottle (you can even get filter bottles and stop drinking soda - it's healthier! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodUsing 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?
Tricia Jones 7/14/2022 7:08 AMI use a Brita pitcher at home and fill a stainless steel bottle when heading out and about. To solve for other plastic bottle concerns, I bought a Brita water bottle. This allows me to refill when I spend the day at my Mom's (she only drinks bottled water, tap water tastes funny and I usually am there for several hours) AND this bottle is perfect for air travel - take it in empty and fill it at the fountain. Reusable bottle collection complete, disposable plastic bottles eliminated or drastically reduced! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Tricia Jones 7/13/2022 7:03 AMFrom experience - if you buy a set of straws, get stainless steel with silicon tips. There is foldable one in a travel case at Bed Bath and Beyond or a set of regular (non foldable) at several other places, including Amazon. I keep a regular straw w/ the cleaning brush at the office and the rest at home (clean in dishwasher). The most common use is with Smoothies whether bought at work or made at home. Even though many places are moving towards paper straws - it is best to eliminate all waste where possible, right?