

Gary Goatcher
"To use this month to change our daily habits and learn new ways to live sustainably. "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,041 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO22pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO6.0advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO6.0conversationswith people
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UP TO177plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO257minutesspent learning
Gary's actions
Family + Pets
Homemade Pet Treats
I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.
Bathroom
That Was a Close Shave
I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.
Bathroom
Eco Deodorant
I will switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Kitchen
Switch to Loose Leaf Tea
Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.
Family + Pets
Natural Paints
I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.
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.
Family + Pets
Discover Together
I will spend 15 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.
Bathroom
Pearly Whites
I will switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Bedroom
Eco Detergent
I will use laundry detergent that is packaged in glass or aluminum, or an alternative like soap nuts.
Kitchen
Plastic Free Lunch Boxes
I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and containers in my family's lunches to reduce plastic waste.
Kitchen
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
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
Minimize Packaging
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
Study
Say No to Styrofoam
Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can, making sure to kindly let people know why I'm asking for alternative packaging.
Bedroom
Catch Those Microfibers
I will use a microfiber catcher in my laundry, or install a microfiber filter for my washing machine.
Family + Pets
Thrifty Pets
I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.
Study
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Family + Pets
Invest in a Pooper-Scooper
I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.
Participant Feed
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Gary Goatcher 7/20/2023 6:19 AMI am taking the family camping and we are making it a plastic free trip. Our goal is to create no trash and only have a bag of recycling at the end. -
Gary Goatcher 7/12/2023 6:14 AMIt takes a little extra work to remember and plan out shopping or activities to avoid plastic usage. I do believe I am building better habits, and bringing the family along with me. My youngest son is really helping push us.-
Ginni La Rosa-Ponsini 7/12/2023 7:28 PMThat's awesome that younger people are paying attention and making conscious decisions about sustainability! I hope it means that the future is in good hands!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomWhat have you noticed about the economic and social impact of switching to steel razors? Was there ever really a need for disposable razors, or do you think it was just a way to sell more things?
Gary Goatcher 7/06/2023 4:52 AMMy hobby is forging knives. I have a small propane forge set up in my yard. I took an old piece of scrap metal I had laying around and I am forging myself a straight razor old school style to shave with. I will update when it is finished. I bought one to use and model mine off. -
Gary Goatcher 7/03/2023 10:28 AMSo far so good. I have told my wife and kids about this challenge and they have joined me and will help us be plastic free for the month. A lot of the goals are things we already do as a family.-
Debra Debra Lee Norton Wear 7/03/2023 6:21 PMMaking it a family affair makes it easier to stick to it and it is setting a good example that your children can carry with them !!
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsHow are caring for your pet and caring for the environment connected for you?
Gary Goatcher 7/03/2023 10:26 AMI installed in my back yard a dog waste in ground disposal system. It is an Eco-friendly disposal that uses enzymes and bacteria to break the waste down and fertilize the ground. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBedroomWhich microfiber solution did you choose? How has it changed your laundry routine?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONStudyAs you have reduced your spending, what have you noticed about your 'health and safety' purchasing habits? How might this change your longer term purchasing decisions?
Gary Goatcher 7/03/2023 10:21 AMPacked my lunch today, made my coffee at home, did not buy any snacks, only purchases today was my medicine. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenTake time to reflect or meditate over your plastic-free cup of tea. Share your thoughts and reflections with us here!
Gary Goatcher 7/03/2023 10:19 AMI boiled a full pitcher of unsweetened Black tea, and used the tea leaves for my worm garden. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenBeyond reducing waste, there are many benefits to packing zero waste lunches (for kids or yourself!). What other benefits have you noticed from this practice?
Gary Goatcher 7/03/2023 10:17 AMI bought reusable containers so my wife, myself and our oldest daughter can take lunch's every day to work. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenWith 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?