

Kathleen Monroe
"To improve daily actions to best practices for a better world for all!"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,351 TOTAL
participant impact
-
UP TO149plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO31pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO86plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO88disposable cupsnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO865pieces of litterpicked up
-
UP TO196plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
-
UP TO40minutesspent learning
Kathleen's actions
Kitchen
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Kitchen
Plant a Garden
I will plant an herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.
Kitchen
Fill a Water Bottle
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Kitchen
Go Strawless
I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.
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).
Bathroom
Travel Toiletries
If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me.
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.
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.
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 25 piece(s) of litter each day.
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.
Kitchen
Plastic Free Lunch Boxes
I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and containers in my family's lunches to reduce plastic waste.
Family + Pets
Thrifty Pets
I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.
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
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!
Family + Pets
Get Rid of Glitter
I will teach my little ones about microplastics while we do a craft project together using glitter alternatives.
Participant Feed
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONStudyWhat did you learn about your ecological footprint by using the calculator? What did or didn't surprise you? What are some ways you will take action to reduce your footprint?
Kathleen Monroe 7/31/2023 7:39 PMI learned I have a long way to go to reduce my footprint, but I am making progress every day. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenHow can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?
Kathleen Monroe 7/29/2023 11:44 AMconsistently look for items in recycled packaging or items that packaging can be recycled. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsHow does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?
Kathleen Monroe 7/29/2023 11:36 AMProviding a second life for the item to reduce the amount of resources needed to produce excess merchandise feels good. It is also a positive for the wallet! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsIn what ways does your pet make your life happier, more interesting, or more rewarding?
Kathleen Monroe 7/25/2023 2:56 PMShe is a clown, a challenge and a good companion. Finding ways to keep her mind working and finding jobs to keep her from being destructive is a daily challenge. But she always makes me smile and feel like I am the most important person when I come home after a shift at the zoo - or a five minute absence from the room. -
Kathleen Monroe 7/25/2023 2:54 PMThese actions are becoming habits -- and the neighborhood is looking better after each walk and trash collection. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenSince 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?
Kathleen Monroe 7/23/2023 9:09 AMSince COVID I have greatly reduced eating out - especially at fast food locations. I always have a water bottle with me and use that as my main drink source --- if that is not an option I ask if I can use my reusable cup as an option if I want a different option. Not all venues will comply, but a few have - hoping for more change in the future. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsDoes your child play differently with natural or repurposed toys than with other toys? If so, how?
Kathleen Monroe 7/23/2023 9:02 AMMy child is a fur baby and old toys are no different to her - because they are new to her. Recycling toys from previous pets or from friends pets has been a great way to keep her happy and reduce her carbon paw print -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsHow can you and your little one exercise your creativity without creating more plastic waste?
Kathleen Monroe 7/23/2023 8:58 AMWhile I love all things shiny, will work toward sharing the impact that glitter has on the environment and the potential harm to the animals in our area and beyond. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenUsing the links provided, investigate the bottling practices of water corporations. There have been many cases where the water rights of the local people have been violated or even completely disregarded when a corporation decides to bottle water from a particular water source. How can you advocate for those who have been harmed by this bottling process?
Kathleen Monroe 7/23/2023 8:57 AMShare this information with my network and lobby local, state and federal government officials to require the corporations to follow the water rights for these locations. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchenHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Kathleen Monroe 7/13/2023 3:26 PMI have noticed more restaurants have changed over to paper straws or no straws at all. The major industry to win over will be the fast food industry as they continue to assume every guest needs a plastic straw. I keep several reusable straws in my car to use if I get a beverage to go from one of these locations.