

Cruz Ortiz
"Use minimum resources by purchasing only what I need, coupled with increased efforts to reuse and recycle as much as possible "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,756 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0waste auditconducted
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UP TO49plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO2.0conversationswith people
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UP TO90minutesspent learning
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UP TO42disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO52plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO470pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO82pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO4.0plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
Cruz's actions
Food
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Food
Use Reusable Utensils
I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.
Lifestyle
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
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
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
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.
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.
Personal Care
That Was a Close Shave
I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.
Food
Minimize Packaging
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
Food
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
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.
Family
Discover Together
I will spend 20 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.
Personal Care
Practice Sustainable Fashion
I will spend 20 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.
Personal Care
Eco Deodorant
I will switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Family
Learn about Environmental Justice
Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 20 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.
Personal Care
Pearly Whites
I will switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Personal Care
Sustainable Suds
I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with a sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable option.
Personal Care
Brush with Bamboo
I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.
Community
Research Local Waste Sites
I will spend 20 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.
Community
Learn about Plastic Production
Plastic production, not just disposal, pollutes communities and harms people. I will learn about the impacts of plastic production on humans, animals, communities, and the environment.
Lifestyle
Natural Fibers
When available, I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.
Family
Natural Paints
I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.
Lifestyle
Complete a Waste Audit
I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.
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.
Family
Get Rid of Glitter
I will teach my little ones about microplastics while we do a craft project together using glitter alternatives.
Lifestyle
Practice Sustainable Fashion
I will spend 15 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.
Family
Thoughtful Toys
I will only buy cloth, wooden or plant-based natural rubber toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!
Lifestyle
Proper Bioplastic Disposal
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.
Lifestyle
Clean Plate Club
When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.
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 CareCurrently most of the packaging for toothpaste is plastic. How can you advocate for more alternatives through your purchasing power and influence in community?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONPersonal CareWhat are the benefits of switching to bamboo toothbrushes? How would you implore others in your community to make this switch as well?
Cruz Ortiz 7/31/2022 2:10 PMPlastics have become a serious problem for everyone. We all have to join the effort to reduce and eliminate wherever possible. Eliminating the use of plastic toothbrushes is one of those actions that is fairly easy to accomplish. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Cruz Ortiz 7/31/2022 2:08 PMWater and air pollution by the use of plastic is concerning, and unfortunately, the consumption seems to be on the raise. Plastic just seems to be everywhere. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamilyHow can you and your little one exercise your creativity without creating more plastic waste?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFamilyWhat did you and your family learn about environmental justice? What questions came up for you? What feelings?
Cruz Ortiz 7/28/2022 1:49 PMWe learned that Environmental Justice is a movement that emerged in the early 1980s based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. Unfortunately, despite all the efforts, many are still exposed to deadly pollutants, especially those living in poorer communities. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleWas this action easy or difficult to do? How did it change your travel experience?
Cruz Ortiz 7/27/2022 5:06 PMNot difficult at all. We still used plastic to pack some food, but not of the single-use type. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleHow easy was this swap for you? Did you have any concerns before making it?
Cruz Ortiz 7/27/2022 5:02 PMIt was not hard at all. In fact, I bought a bigger container of dish soap from Costco and I am currently refilling a smaller bottle previously purchased. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleWhat did you learn about the waste you create? Where can you reduce the most?
Cruz Ortiz 7/27/2022 4:53 PMWay too much, especially plastics. I think I can definitely reduce my use of plastic bags. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamilyDoes your child play differently with natural or repurposed toys than with other toys? If so, how?
Cruz Ortiz 7/27/2022 4:51 PMIt didn't seem to make any difference. The toy was used for a while, then thrown aside after a while like all the others! But while in use, it seem to provide the same kind of enjoyment. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLifestyleHow can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Cruz Ortiz 7/24/2022 11:16 AMFirst, I will do what pleases me not others. For men, fashion does not really change much, and I generally purchase clothes not based on temporary trends. Jeans and T-shirts have been in fashion for decades, if not centuries!