

Rachel Haywood
"Landfills give me the heeby jeebies. Tackling recycling and environmental safety one day at a time!"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,155 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO40plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO29pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO34advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO45plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO34conversationswith people
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UP TO167plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO60minutesspent learning
Rachel's 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.
Study
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Kitchen
Choose Reusable Food Storage
I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).
Kitchen
Plastic Free Lunch Boxes
I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and containers in my family's lunches to reduce plastic waste.
Kitchen
Swap the Snacks
I will swap out 1 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.
Family + Pets
Invest in a Pooper-Scooper
I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.
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!
Study
Estimate Your Ecological Footprint
I will calculate my ecological footprint, and from the results brainstorm and take action on ways I can reduce my annual footprint.
Bathroom
Travel Toiletries
If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me.
Bedroom
Ditch Dryer Sheets
I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.
Family + Pets
Homemade Pet Treats
I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.
Study
Numbers Everywhere
The numbers #1-7 on plastics tell us a lot - and can help us be better recyclers. I will learn what these numbers mean and which types of plastics are accepted for recycling in my area.
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.
Family + Pets
Sustainable Suds: Pet Edition
I will replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.
Family + Pets
Balloons Blow
Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 15 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.
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.
Bathroom
Green Beauty
When it's time to buy more, I will replace my beauty products with refillable, sustainable, and/or DIY options.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomHow can you advocate for the importance of reducing packaging to the rest of your friends, family and larger community?
Rachel Haywood 7/29/2023 6:59 PMI always love bringing my family and friends to the local farmers markets because a lot of my vendor-friends make the most amazing zero-waste health and beauty products. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 11:29 AMI've been to some local restaurants that don't offer straws anymore but when I can, I try to bring my own reusable straws with me when I go out. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONStudyWere you surprised by what the different plastic identification numbers mean? How can this information help you become a better recycler?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 11:29 AMI've always thought that the recycling numbers were only used by the recycling facilities--before now I'd been recycling most of my plastics as long as I cleaned them out, regardless of the number. I will pay closer attention now to avoid recycling something hazardous. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsHad you ever considered the environmental impact of balloons before? How can you share this information with your friends and family to encourage them to avoid balloons, too?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 11:23 AMI hate using balloons around my own house because they're not biodegradable for the lawn, but also not good for my dog. I always tell my family that balloons are also a waste of money so I try to get them to skip the balloons as party decorations. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsDoes your child play differently with natural or repurposed toys than with other toys? If so, how?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 11:21 AMMy (fur) baby plays more aggressively with the toys that I try to make from household objects but they're also easier to replace because I have more items around the house to make more toys with. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomWhat is the benefit of using bar soaps or refilling your travel sized containers? Is this an action you think you will keep in your life?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 11:18 AMBar soaps are great because, if made well, they contain skin-loving ingredients and are almost completely zero-waste. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONStudyHow might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 11:15 AMLower-income areas of the city are almost forced to use styrofoam as their only packaging option because the cost of more eco-friendly options is too expensive. Styrofoam alternatives should be more widely available! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenHow can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 10:46 AMI often reuse some disposable items like shower razors multiple times so I don't have to replace them as often. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsHow are caring for your pet and caring for the environment connected for you?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 10:35 AMIf I don't pick up after my dog in the yard, the grass will die. Also, I try to use natural bath soap on my dog because she has sensitive skin and the natural soap is better for the septic system. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsIn what ways does your pet make your life happier, more interesting, or more rewarding?
Rachel Haywood 7/28/2023 10:32 AMMy dog, Greta, is a very welcomed member of the family. She is an energetic dog that gets me and my sister to exercise more outside, she's able to calm everyone down when we're stressed out, and I love the feeling and reward of taking care of her in the mornings when we get to spend some quality time together during breakfast.