

Mathew Lam
"Consciously making environmental decisions until they become subconscious. "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 780 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO44plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO30minutesspent learning
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UP TO46disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO61plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO260pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO10pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO28plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
Mathew's actions
Food
Use Reusable Utensils
I will keep 3 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.
Food
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
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 a Reusable Mug
If possible, I will avoid sending 3 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.
Personal Care
See the Green
I will recycle used contact lenses and packaging.
Food
Switch to Loose Leaf Tea
Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.
Food
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Food
Use Reusables at Work
I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.
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.
Community
Research Local Waste Sites
I will spend 45 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.
Personal Care
That Was a Close Shave
I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.
Pets
Invest in a Pooper-Scooper
I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.
Pets
Thrifty Pets
I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.
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).
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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REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunityIn what neighborhoods or areas of your region are landfills or other waste sites located? Which communities are most affected by these locations?
Mathew Lam 7/19/2022 11:17 AMI noticed that most of these waste management facilities are pretty close to main throughways. By I5 off the freeway in Tukwila/Seatac) or in South Park (north Seatac). These areas are not known for being safe/nice areas, wonder if placement of these facilities was somewhat linked to income disparities. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodTake time to reflect or meditate over your plastic-free cup of tea. Share your thoughts and reflections with us here!
Mathew Lam 7/19/2022 11:15 AMPrepping my iced tea (about 2 liters thanks to loose leaf) gave me time to think about how many bottles of pre-made iced tea I saved. Also had me thinking, I can personalize my tea if I want more fruity vs more herbal. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPetsHow does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?
Mathew Lam 7/18/2022 1:14 PMIt does depend on the product. For my dogs, they can be very picky/not like toys. But for other items, harnesses, leashes, collars, blankets, etc, I do not mind throwing them in the washer when I find a great piece to reuse. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPetsHow are caring for your pet and caring for the environment connected for you?
Mathew Lam 7/18/2022 1:13 PMHaving a yard has been helpful to use a pooper scooper so that all my pets can do their business and once a day or so, I can go out and clean up after them. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPersonal CareWhat have you noticed about the economic and social impact of switching to steel razors? Was there ever really a need for disposable razors, or do you think it was just a way to sell more things?
Mathew Lam 7/18/2022 1:12 PMDisposable razors can be helpful while on trips, but most people forget that it is allowed in carry-on bags. This is usually when I have to remind myself to NOT forget my home razor. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow 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?
Mathew Lam 7/18/2022 1:01 PMLooking at expense of single use vs reusable is the quickest for me when it comes to convincing others to make the change. Most people feel that a package of single use, while it can be convenient, a reusable container of utensil can save more money. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Mathew Lam 7/13/2022 9:34 AMI now see using reusable bags as a way to share messages, such as rocking the SCH lunch bag/tote, cute pandas depicted on the bag, or political topics such as Protect Trans Youth.-
Tanya Blackwell 7/14/2022 6:04 AMI like this! Since Pride month just ended on June 30th and this challenge began on July 1st, I was happy to get my hands on some PRIDE reusable grocery bags. I like that when I use them, I'm not only helping the environment, but I am also sharing messages of love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. That's a WIN-WIN!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunityWhat did you find out about your plastic consumption by using the calculator? What did or didn't surprise you?
Mathew Lam 7/11/2022 11:02 AMIt was alarming to see that I heavily rely on plastic bags at smaller chain stores. I have a surplus of bags at home that I have collected over the years. Yikes! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Mathew Lam 7/11/2022 11:01 AMI shop at Costco frequently and reuse their boxes for my purchased. Then I reuse their boxes at home or recycle or upcycle to others or for compost. This made it much easier for me to participate in less plastic bags. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodIt 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?
Mathew Lam 7/11/2022 10:59 AMDemonstrating to others that packing your own food in constrainers that can be washed (including reusable utensils) after lunch reminds others that we can do our part to minimizing excessive use of plastics and waste.