

Mala [email protected]
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 491 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO38plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO12disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO25plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO19pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO11plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
Mala's actions
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.
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
Use Reusable Utensils
I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.
Food
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
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
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Community
Attend Plastic Use in Research and Healthcare (July 20, 12 - 1pm)
Join WashU Sustainability Staff July 20th from 12pm – 1pm to learn more about how single-use plastics are used in research and healthcare and how you can begin to reduce plastic use in your lab or practice.
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.
Food
Use Reusables at Work
I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.
Food
GO A DAY WITHOUT EATING MEAT
Reducing meat consumption has many benefits; it curtails greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil degradation. It will also save an enormous amount of land, water use and will increase biodiversity.
Food
Cook a Plastic Free Meal
I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.
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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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodDo an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some resuable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable?
Mala [email protected] 7/19/2022 8:13 AMI deface the labels and make storage containers. I wash the ziptop bags, dry these and reuse. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodWith 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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Mala [email protected] 7/06/2022 1:36 PMThe restaurants can give credit for every spoon/fork/knife refused by the customer. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Mala [email protected] 7/01/2022 9:00 AMIt's super easy given my cultural background. I have to remind our kids though who were born here and didn't grow up using reusable bags, but they are catching on. -
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?
Mala [email protected] 7/01/2022 8:58 AMI use my own mug, then wash it in the break room and bring it back to my desk space. Mostly everyone has been doing that. -
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?
Mala [email protected] 7/01/2022 8:57 AMI always have cutlery I bring from home in my lunch bag . My coworkers have started doing the same. At parties with friends, some have started hiring an hourly helper to wash dishes which gives extra money to someone and keeps us from using one time use disposable plates, etc. -
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?
Mala [email protected] 7/01/2022 8:54 AMslowly people are learning to not heat food in plastic wares and instead use glass bowls and ceramic plates. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Mala [email protected] 7/01/2022 8:53 AMI see few people using stainless steel straws and also paper straws. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodBesides having access to fresh herbs and vegetables, what benefits will you see from growing your own garden?