Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums

Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2023

July 1 - July 31, 2023

Lauren Barczak

Brandywine Zoo

""do or do not, there is no try." ╰◝◟≖◞ ᵕ ◟≖◞◜╯"

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
586 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.0

plastic straw

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

6.0

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

1.0

piece of litter

picked up
UP TO

5.0

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill

Lauren's actions

Community

Give Some Green Gratitude

I will give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Ditch Dryer Sheets

I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Natural Fibers

When available, I will purchase clothing and bedding made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Rubber Glove Pet Hair Removal

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Kitchen

Skip Plastic Bags

When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

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 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Host a Watch Party

I will host a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Kitchen

Go Strawless

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Family + Pets

Thrifty Pets

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 1 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Bathroom

Brush with Bamboo

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Invest in a Pooper-Scooper

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Family + Pets

How does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?
Lauren Barczak 7/08/2023 7:39 AM
For my cat, I was able to get gently used toys and other supplies like food bowls, brushes, etc. from family members and friends. Not only that, but when I adopted her, the adoption center even provided gently used toys and blankets. Not only are they a wonderful way to prevent things from going to waste, but the spirit of giving and reusing was a great way to feel connected to friends and family. I've even been able to pass things off to other friends who've recently adopted pets, and it's a great way to connect over the love of our pets, and sharing is caring! One of my cat's favorite blankets was a used blanket from another former cat owner, and I love knowing that someone else and their pet loved it before we did. :)

Read More
- Allyson Coleman 7/22/2023 7:55 AM
  Used is great for pets, especially since not all pets have the same interests. My cat got a lot of hand me down toys because my parents' cat declined them
  
  Read More
- Jennifer Klotz 7/08/2023 2:13 PM
  How great that the adoption center provided used items
  
  And love the Care Bear quote because sharing IS caring!
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Family + Pets

We know you want to - tell us about why your pet is so awesome!
Lauren Barczak 7/08/2023 5:56 AM
Piplup is awesome because when she's not busy meowing, she naps in the cutest places! :)

Read More
- Allyson Coleman 7/22/2023 7:56 AM
  Awww your kitty is so cute!!!
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Bedroom

What are the benefits (to people, animals, and the environment) of purchasing clothes made with natural fibers?
Lauren Barczak 7/08/2023 5:44 AM
When you purchase clothing and other items made with fabrics that are natural, you're helping to support sustainable businesses and chose products that are plastic free and better for the environment. You can also find plenty of great items of clothing that can be re-worn or repurposed for sale. By choosing not to support fast fashion, you can help the environment as well as the well being of people (as the fast fashion industry often thrives on taking advantage of underpaid and mistreated workers.)

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Kitchen

How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Lauren Barczak 7/07/2023 1:15 PM
I have gotten a lot better at using reusable bags when I go shopping! It used to be a challenge to remember to bring them into the store with me, but DE's new restrictions on them have definitely helped me to take action more. I now keep my reusable bags in my car, and have a stack next to my shoe rack to remember them when I go out. There are also other options like paper bags that I keep and reuse when I forget, which is a huge help!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Kitchen

Since 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?
Lauren Barczak 7/06/2023 5:52 AM
A lot of the places that pre-COVID I liked to take my reusable mug to get coffee don't fill them anymore, which has definitely been a barrier for me in being plastic free. I've found that pre-making coffee and keeping it cold to make my own in the morning can help. There are also alternatives to plastic like canned cold brew coffees and energy drinks. Wawa also has hot grab and go coffee that can be made in a reusable mug which is great as well!

Read More
Lauren Barczak 7/05/2023 11:01 AM
Happy PFJ!!
Has anyone ever tried keeping track of your plastic waste in a mason jar over the course of a week or month before? It can be a difficult challenge, but a great way to bring awareness to even the little things we use in our daily lives that create plastic waste. I did this once with a group of college students as a sustainability challenge and it was interesting to see how everyone did and what challenges people faced.
Does anyone else have favorite ways to keep track of plastic waste?

Read More
- Jennifer Klotz 7/05/2023 5:01 PM
  I haven’t but I can see how it would be insightful. I don’t have a tracking method per se but recycle bins are a decent indicator. How quickly it fills some times, and others not. For PFJ last year I did the waste audit- spread out my trash and everything! Discovered some interesting stuff! I’ve selected the Action to check my ecological footprint and am curious what I will find…
  
  Read More