Join the movement to refuse single-use plastics with Plastic Free Ecochallenge!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums

Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2022

July 1 - July 31, 2022

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Feed

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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?

Nancy Gallagher 8/01/2022 5:04 PM

I learned that every little action helps. I am very capable of making changes for me/my family and encourage change around me.

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Krystina Jarvis 8/01/2022 1:11 PM

We did it, team!! Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2022 is in the books! How did this month go for you?

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Hilary Loewenstein 7/31/2022 5:13 PM

Today I was at a festival. Any time I purchased any trinkets I used my own reusable shopping bag to put them in. The sellers were happy because they didn’t have to give me a bag and I was happy to create less waste!

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Hilary Loewenstein 7/31/2022 5:10 PM

I have really enjoyed this ecochallenge. It was at the forefront of my mind every day. Not only how can I reduce plastics, but really how can I make my footprint smaller in generating trash. Many of my new habits will stick with me. For example: I am using Dryer balls, no more straws or plastic lids, reusable baggies, no more detergent pods, no more plastic produce bags or plastic bags in general, refilling my hand soap, and repurposing things I might have thrown away before. The eco-challenge has changed me for the better. And I am grateful. Thank you for this opportunity! I look forward to next year!

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- Krystina Jarvis 8/01/2022 1:29 PM
  
  Hilary, this makes me so happy to read. I'm so glad this challenge has been a positive experience for you and that you've been able to make so many impactful changes in your life. Can't wait to see you again next year!
  
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Judith Louis-Bennett 7/31/2022 4:02 PM

Im happy with what I've done this month and will obviously continue and hope to add other enviromentally conscious actions to my personal challenge.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle Complete a Waste Audit

What did you learn about the waste you create? Where can you reduce the most?

Krystina Jarvis 7/31/2022 2:22 PM

Most of my waste was food-related. Some things I can better avoid (take out and last-minute on the go snacks, for example), but overall I'm feeling pretty okay with my audit! I've been trying to cook at home more and plan ahead better for when I'm going to be away from home to have unpackaged snacks with me. I always love this exercise.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Share My Actions

Have you noticed a difference in how your community, friends, and family members use plastics since you've shared your own actions?

Jennifer Trevis 7/31/2022 1:14 PM

I had a few people like and comment on my posts. This shows that it is reaching people and even people that I haven’t seen want to make a change in the past.

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Sue Allison Roberts 7/31/2022 12:20 PM

This has been a great reminder and helped to get me back on the eco friendly wagon!
Thanks Krystina for your leadership and guidance, as always!

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- Krystina Jarvis 7/31/2022 3:08 PM
  
  Aww thank you Sue! 💙💙💙
  
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Karen Linn 7/31/2022 10:34 AM

Something I started awhile back. I have a Kuerig and I topped using the plastic pods. I buy ground coffee and use their reusable pod.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community Research Local Waste Sites

In what neighborhoods or areas of your region are landfills or other waste sites located? Which communities are most affected by these locations?

Jane Cirigliano 7/31/2022 8:09 AM

Most are located near major highways. Lower income families seem to be most affected. I learned that the majority of waste tracked by the EPA in my area is lead paint, wastewater and underground (septic).

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