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Braden Bird's avatar

Braden Bird

The Plastics

"to reduce the world of plastic!"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 821 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    44
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    39
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    50
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    385
    minutes
    spent 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.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Skip Plastic Bags

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

COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Fill a Water Bottle

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Better Gum

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

Bathroom

That Was a Close Shave

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

Bathroom

Eco Deodorant

I will switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Homemade Pet Treats

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Catch Those Microfibers

I will use a microfiber catcher in my laundry, or install a microfiber filter for my washing machine.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Eco Detergent

I will use laundry detergent that is packaged in glass or aluminum, or an alternative like soap nuts.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Bedroom
    Which microfiber solution did you choose? How has it changed your laundry routine?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:36 PM
    It hasn't changed our day-to-day routine too much, just with the additional task of removing and cleaning the filter
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    What did you and your family learn about environmental justice? What questions came up for you? What feelings?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:33 PM
    Think 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 QUESTION
    Family + Pets
    Does your child play differently with natural or repurposed toys than with other toys? If so, how?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:25 PM
    It's for my dog, so he hasn't noticed a difference and probably likes the repurposed toys more!

  • Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:24 PM
    Cannot believe we're already at the last day, let's make it count!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Bedroom
    Was this an easy or difficult swap for you to make? Did you have any concerns before making the swap?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:21 PM
    Easy swap to make with eco-friendly alternatives widely available
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Bedroom
    How can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:20 PM
    Personal 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 QUESTION
    Bathroom
    Do 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's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:18 PM
    I 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 QUESTION
    Bathroom
    Even 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's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:14 PM
    I 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 QUESTION
    Kitchen
    How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:11 PM
    This 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 QUESTION
    Kitchen
    Why do you chew gum? What habits could replace and meet your reasons for chewing gum?

    Braden Bird's avatar
    Braden Bird 7/30/2023 9:09 PM
    I chew gum to keep my breath fresh! But I've substituted now to mints and will not look back :)