

Braden Bird
"to reduce the world of plastic!"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 821 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO44plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO39disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO50plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO385minutesspent learning
Braden's actions
Kitchen
Try a New Recipe
I will try new recipe(s) or food preparation method(s) each day, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.
Kitchen
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Kitchen
Use a Reusable Mug
If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.
Kitchen
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Kitchen
Better Gum
I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.
Bathroom
That Was a Close Shave
I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.
Bathroom
Say No to "Flushable Wipes"
Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.
Bathroom
Eco Deodorant
I will switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Family + Pets
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!
Community
Learn about Environmental Justice
Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 60 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.
Family + Pets
Homemade Pet Treats
I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.
Family + Pets
Balloons Blow
Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 30 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.
Bedroom
Practice Sustainable Fashion
I will spend 60 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.
Bedroom
Catch Those Microfibers
I will use a microfiber catcher in my laundry, or install a microfiber filter for my washing machine.
Bedroom
Eco Detergent
I will use laundry detergent that is packaged in glass or aluminum, or an alternative like soap nuts.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBedroomWhich microfiber solution did you choose? How has it changed your laundry routine?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:36 PMIt hasn't changed our day-to-day routine too much, just with the additional task of removing and cleaning the filter -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunityWhat did you and your family learn about environmental justice? What questions came up for you? What feelings?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:33 PMThink this initiated more questions from us overall, like how to address these issues effectively, how to ensure long-term sustainability, and how to encourage systemic change from a top down perspective with government intervention.
I think we've got a stronger sense of empathy for these issues but overwhelmed with concern for our environment and those already affected. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsDoes your child play differently with natural or repurposed toys than with other toys? If so, how?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:25 PMIt's for my dog, so he hasn't noticed a difference and probably likes the repurposed toys more! -
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:24 PMCannot believe we're already at the last day, let's make it count!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBedroomWas this an easy or difficult swap for you to make? Did you have any concerns before making the swap?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBedroomHow can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:20 PMPersonal style! I think it's easy for us to get caught up in micro-trends online and the beast that is fast fashion.
It's important to really think if the purchase is necessary or if you're just trying to keep up with the Jones. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomDo some research on the toxic side affects of aluminum deodorant. After reading the side effects, can you think of instances where you may have experienced the side effects from this form of deodorant?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:18 PMI wasn't aware of the negative side effects of aluminium in deodorant but now I know, this will be something I continue to actively avoid -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomEven though they are marketed as "flushable," disposable wipes do not disintegrate in water or the sewer system, and actually release microplastics into our waterways. How does it feel to learn this information? What do you want to do about it?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:14 PMI was shocked to learn that they aren't actually 'flushable' yet are able to be marketed as such! I'll be informing all my friends, and it really should be investigated as unlawful advertising -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenHow difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:11 PMThis change wasn't too difficult as it was something I was already doing but did find it tricky to stick to it everyday as I'm forgetful and tend to leave my shopping bags at home every now and then. What made it easier was reminding myself to keep a spare bag in my work backpack -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenWhy do you chew gum? What habits could replace and meet your reasons for chewing gum?
Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:09 PMI chew gum to keep my breath fresh! But I've substituted now to mints and will not look back :)