

Kelly McGonigal
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 780 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO26advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO90plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO28conversationswith people
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UP TO48plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
Kelly's actions
Community
Say No to Styrofoam
Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can, making sure to kindly let people know why I'm asking for alternative packaging.
Food
Better Gum
I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.
Food
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Personal Care
A Sustainable Flow
I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.
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.
Lifestyle
Travel Eating
If traveling, I will bring my own snacks and meals in my own containers to avoid the waste of take-out containers.
Lifestyle
Travel Toiletries
If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me in a TSA-approved reusable quart-sized bag.
Lifestyle
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Personal Care
Pearly Whites
I will switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Food
Minimize Packaging
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
Food
Advocate for Office Reusables
I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.
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).
Food
Cook a Plastic Free Meal
I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.
Food
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Personal Care
Green Beauty
When it's time to buy more, I will replace my beauty products with refillable, sustainable, and/or DIY options.
Lifestyle
Clean Plate Club
When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.
Pets
Homemade Pet Food
I will prepare my own pet food to avoid plastic packaging.
Lifestyle
Use a Reusable Cup at Starbucks
Use a reusable cup for your Starbucks beverage.
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 QUESTIONPersonal CareHow can you advocate for the importance of reducing packaging to the rest of your friends, family and larger community?
Kelly McGonigal 7/26/2022 12:22 PMI am a patron of the theatre. Nowadays, many people use makeup remover wipes to take off their makeup. They are wasteful and dangerous to the environment. I advocate for cream makeup removers and a washcloth. It’s softer and healthier for your skin with natural ingredients and you can use a fabric wash rag that can be washed and used again. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPersonal CareCurrently most of the packaging for toothpaste is plastic. How can you advocate for more alternatives through your purchasing power and influence in community?
Kelly McGonigal 7/26/2022 12:18 PMToothpaste pills are becoming more normalized. Everyone usually has a certain brand they are looking for but toothpastes all have the same ingredients. Healthy habits such as flossing, keeping strong bristle toothbrushes, and using a mouth rinse will all aid in the process of getting or maintaining a healthy mouth. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleWas this action easy or difficult to do? How did it change your travel experience?
Kelly McGonigal 7/26/2022 12:14 PMEating on the go is always an excuse to get fast food, but planning meals ahead of time and storing made at home food is even better. You can have your food with you wherever you get hungry. It’s healthier for your body and your wallet. It’s going to be better tasting food. You will also save time on your trip. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodBesides having access to fresh herbs and vegetables, what benefits will you see from growing your own garden?
Kelly McGonigal 7/26/2022 12:12 PMWorking with my life partner on bringing plants into our space improves our health and our mood. Plants take our CO2 and give us Oxygen, which creates clearer air in our home. Nurturing life through plants inspires us to learn more about food, our planet, and healthy habits. Taking take of our plants gets us up off the couch, and puts us outside to enjoy the earth. Growing a garden saves money, but it does so much more than that…it makes you a better human being. You make smarter, healthier choices for you and your family. You learn a hobby that cuts out needless plastics. You feel better in your space. We savor our meals we make together with food we grow. We give back to the planet that gives everything to us. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodWhat are some of the cases you could make to an employer for why switching to durable dishes and utensils is actually in their best interest as well?
Kelly McGonigal 7/21/2022 7:15 PMPartners have unlimited drinks on duty. Partners use their perk to make and try new combinations, resulting in many plastics wasted. I would love to see more for here ware including sample cups! Most of the time when you are at work, a friend will make a drink and want their other partners to try it, using even more unnecessary plastic. These drinks are not always marked out properly and sharing is not marked out either, which results in inventory inaccuracies. Switching to for here ware saves the business money and keeps more accurate inventory! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunityHow might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community?
Kelly McGonigal 7/21/2022 7:08 PMStyrofoam is used in to-go packaging out of price and convenience to restaurants. If you get a doggie bag or delivery, it’s probably a styrofoam container. We have to fight for more sustainable options and ask our leaders to pass legislation to reduce styrofoam! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleWhat is the benefit of using bar soaps or refilling your travel sized containers? Is this an action you think you will keep in your life?
Kelly McGonigal 7/19/2022 7:30 PMHaving my own set of fillable containers for travel toiletries helps me reduce waste and is better for my hair/body because I’m using my normal products. It’s comforting to be able to take everyday items from home with you. In addition to the ease of use, it makes me feel good to know I’m not buying or using provided single use toiletries every time I travel. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONPetsDoes making your own pet food seem like a habit you can keep up in the long term? What else can you do to reduce your use of plastic packaging that can come from taking care of your pet's needs?
Kelly McGonigal 7/15/2022 8:06 PMYes! Packaged pet food is very unhealthy. It is cheaper and healthier for your pet if you research their diet and make them food yourself and it can help you make healthier choices in making meals for yourself as well! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleAs you have reduced your spending, what have you noticed about your 'health and safety' purchasing habits? How might this change your longer term purchasing decisions?
Kelly McGonigal 7/15/2022 8:05 PMQuality over quantity. Spend less buy really only buying things you need and use your space wisely. Higher price items can last longer and you have to save and really think about your purchase. Little purchases add up quick. -
Kelly McGonigal 7/10/2022 3:58 PMWhen you get yourself a nice reusable water bottle, it makes it fun to use! If you can swing buying a few on sale then you can prep them in the fridge so they are grab and go when you need them! When you have a reusable water bottle, you end up drinking more water throughout the day and it’s fun to see how many times you refill it! It’s a easy, fun, & healthy habit To get into. Make sure to hand
wash it regularly!