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

Zoo New England 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?

Nicole Hellmuth 7/31/2022 3:01 PM

Congratulations to all participants for making such a large impact this year!

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Katherine Burgueño 7/31/2022 1:18 PM

Last day of plastic free July. Planning to keep up the trash collection on a regular basis when I walk from the garage to work.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food Minimize Packaging

With 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?

Brigid Charest 7/31/2022 5:44 AM

It's alarming how much unnecessary plastic is used in the produce section alone. I try to set an example with my reusable mesh produce bags, and was encouraged on a recent grocery run when someone asked me how well they worked - hopefully I convinced them to make the switch.

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- Claudia Zimmermann 7/31/2022 6:34 AM
  
  I am pretty sure that you have helped them to reflect their own habit.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Pets Thrifty Pets

How does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?

Brent Charest 7/31/2022 5:40 AM

I hate shopping in general, but at least when it's secondhand shopping, I can feel good knowing that I'm avoiding sending something into a landfill.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle Travel Eating

Was this action easy or difficult to do? How did it change your travel experience?

Brent Charest 7/31/2022 5:39 AM

This one just required some planning, but after that was very easy to do. Brought our own snacks on a recent road trip to minimize plastic packaging and ended up saving money by avoiding the price-gouging of rest stations on the road.

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Nicole Hellmuth 7/30/2022 6:01 PM

Tomorrow is the last day of Plastic Free July. I'm thankful that I will continue learning and bettering myself past the challege!

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Katherine Burgueño 7/30/2022 3:02 PM

Surprised by how many pieces of trash I found in the neighborhood today. My newspaper bag was full before I completed less than 25% of my walk

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Nicole Hellmuth 7/29/2022 8:03 PM

Time for a new set of glasses! I wonder if I'll be able to find frames made of recycled material 👀

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- Claudia Zimmermann 7/30/2022 2:04 AM
  
  Thanks so much for this post, I have not thought about it and need to get new glasses, too. I have found a shop in my hometown and made an appointment for next week. The frames are of cotton or titan, Was not aware that sustainable glasses exist. Hope you also find something near. The brand is VIU but I cannot find a shop in the US. They always direct me to the German shops.
  
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- Nicole Hellmuth 7/30/2022 6:02 PM
  
  Wow, this is so interesting Claudia! Thank you!
  
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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?

Nicole Hellmuth 7/29/2022 8:01 PM

My family uses a lot of napkins and paper towels! I think that's a fairly easier fix, just a little extra work maybe. The non recyclable plastics was a surprise. I think a good amount it from my supposedly ecofriendly HelloFresh deliveries that aren't quite what is advertised. Now that I know the basics of cooking, it may be time to prep meals differently!

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Lifestyle Clean Plate Club

How easy was this swap for you? Did you have any concerns before making it?

Amber MacDonald 7/29/2022 7:42 AM

The subscription options for essential refillables like dish soap make this an easy swap, definitely recommend!

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