Skip to main content

Modal Title

Modal Description

Welcome to Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2022!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2022 expert in no time!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums
Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2022
July 1 - July 31, 2022
Mercedes Salles's avatar

Mercedes Salles

Community Team

"K.I.S.S."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 359 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    conversation
    with a person
  • UP TO
    40
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    8.0
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    51
    pieces of litter
    picked up

Mercedes's actions

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 2 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Dig into Bioplastics

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Lifestyle

Support a Sharing Economy

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY 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.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

  • Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/20/2022 6:01 PM
    I picked up a few pieces of garbage when I got out of my car in downtown today. 
    Read More
  • Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/15/2022 10:12 AM
    I'm not doing too bad for being completely swamped with life and work. We just had a death in the family over the 4th, too. Being eco-conscious should be completely natural, something you don't have to think about but just do. It's never felt right using single use items and I imagine I would feel worse if I tossed garbage anywhere other than a trash can. Participating in the eco-challenge is like having a little angel on my shoulder reminding me that I have a moment to grab my coffee mug or pick up that piece of trash and toss it in a can. TY to the whole Eco Challenge community for this opportunity to participate. I enjoy completing my actions and the little encouraging voice that follows
    Read More
  • Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/14/2022 8:14 AM
    I picked up a bunch of garbage that had been blown about along a residential construction area. I had noticed it a couple days prior and took it upon myself to get some gloves on and pick it all up. Fortunately, there was a dumpster nearby.
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    What did you learn about bioplastic production and disposal? Did anything surprise you? Are bioplastics accepted by your city's waste management?
    Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/06/2022 3:49 PM
    I was surprised to learn that bioplastics do not biodegrade and end up turning into micro plastics just like the rest unless they get turned into an industrial composting facility that you know for sure accepts that specific brand and type of bioplastics. 
    Plastic free is the way to be!
    Read More
  • Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/05/2022 4:11 PM
    My local drive thru coffee shop, that I often walk to while I'm working, encourages reusable coffee mugs so today I got bonus points from them. 
    Read More
  • Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/05/2022 8:41 AM
    I made a point to meet all of my new neighbors this weekend. I dropped off some 4th of July themed chocolates along with my contact info. I already got a couple calls and one neighbor asked if I was in need of some office furniture! I got a cute new filing cabinet for my workshop.  
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
    Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/01/2022 6:12 PM
    The act of picking up litter connects me more to my community because I'm showing them a great deal of respect by picking up someone else's trash off the streets we share. I wouldn't want a kid or animal to pick it up so why not make sure the garbage is safely disposed of?
    Read More
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Lifestyle
    What are the benefits of a sharing economy? How could a sharing economy change the dynamics you have with friends, family and/or neighbors?
    Mercedes Salles's avatar
    Mercedes Salles 7/01/2022 6:06 PM
    I just moved into my first ever home and my neighbor offered to share her lawn mower. That saves me hundreds of dollars knowing I can share a lawn mower with her from time to time. One less lawn mower out in the world. I'll be repaying her act of kindness by helping where I can. Even sharing one's time can make a difference.
    Read More