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Grayce Moran's avatar

Grayce Moran

Maryland Zoo

"To help make the world a cleaner and better place for people and all living things. "

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 531 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    47
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    13
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    12
    plastic straws
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    25
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    30
    pieces of litter
    picked up
  • UP TO
    49
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    30
    minutes
    spent learning

Grayce's actions

Family + Pets

Balloons Blow

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 10 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Share My Actions

I will make my environmental actions visible by sharing about them on my social media networks and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge participant feed.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Use Reusable Utensils

I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Bedroom

Practice Sustainable Fashion

I will spend 10 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Family + Pets

Thrifty Pets

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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).

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Skip Plastic Bags

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

COMPLETED 13
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Travel Eating

If traveling, I will bring my own snacks and meals in my own containers to avoid the waste of take-out containers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed


  • Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:57 AM
    I took 10 minutes to learn about balloons' affect on the environment today! I was already aware that they were unsafe for animals but did you know that Mylar balloons never breakdown? They exist in our environment forever! Even biodegradable balloons take over a year to breakdown. Be mindful of your choices!

    https://youtu.be/wAwDX4FFQr0
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kitchen
    Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:54 AM
    Absolutely! I went to Starbuck this morning and they ask you if you would like a straw rather than providing one to each customer for each drink. I said "no" to the straw this morning! One small action but if everyone participated, it could make a huge difference. Also, everyone I know has a collection of metal, reusable straws. Very easy to always have one with you!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family + Pets
    Had 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?

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:48 AM
    Yes, I have! I have seen/heard stories from others, especially those with hoof stock, involving very unfortunate encounters with balloons that had fallen into pastures. It is an ugly outcome. I am incredibly conscious of securing and properly disposing of any balloon I come in contact with. I also am very vocal with those around me to do the same and to NEVER participate in a balloon release of any kind!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Study
    How might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community?

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:45 AM
    We do not use it here at the Zoo and I know most food places have moved away from the material; however, it is still available for purchase in stores and used as packing material. I am actively supporting companies that use sustainable material for cups or in packages. I encourage my piers to do so as well!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kitchen
    How can you be an advocate for using reusables instead of disposables for the rest of your community? Where are they currently dependent on disposable food packaging or eating utensils, and how can you convince them of the need for change?

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:43 AM
    I can incorporate reusable utensils and items into each event that I plan at the Zoo! I have the power to plan ahead and accordingly to be able to provide these items to guests rather than opting for disposable items. If we are unable to accommodate reusable, we are trying to include compostable items. We currently have language at every breakfast explaining the importance of this to guests.
  • 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?

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:41 AM
    It is unfortunate that companies are allowed to market these items as "flushable". No, they will not clog your toilet (sometimes) but they are not suitable for the environment. Yes, you can flush them. No, you should not flush them. Same applies to toxic waste. Yes, you can dump it. Should you? Absolutely not. Both will destroy ecosystems and water ways.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family + Pets
    How does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:36 AM
    For one, buying pre-owned anything is a cheaper alternative to purchasing new. Knowing that it also helps the environment and supports sustainability is definitely a major bonus! Who doesn't love guilt free shopping? Your pets don't have no idea the difference between new and used. You can find almost anything you need in a second hand store or at a yard sale. Give it a good wash and save another item from going into a landfill!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kitchen
    How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

    Grayce Moran's avatar
    Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:30 AM
    At this point, everyone has a stash of reusable bags at home. Put them in you car so you always have them with you for any last minute shopping decisions? Also, do you really need a bag for the coffee and muffin you are about to eat in your car anyway?