

Grayce Moran
"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
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UP TO47pieces of plastic cutlerynot sent to the landfill
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UP TO13advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO12plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO25conversationswith people
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UP TO30pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO49plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO30minutesspent 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.
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.
Kitchen
Use Reusable Utensils
I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.
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.
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.
Family + Pets
Thrifty Pets
I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.
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).
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.
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.
Kitchen
Skip Plastic Bags
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
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.
Participant Feed
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Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:57 AMI 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 QUESTIONKitchenHave you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:54 AMAbsolutely! 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 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?
Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:48 AMYes, 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 QUESTIONStudyHow might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community?
Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:45 AMWe 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 QUESTIONKitchenHow 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 7/05/2023 8:43 AMI 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 QUESTIONBathroomEven 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 7/05/2023 8:41 AMIt 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 QUESTIONFamily + PetsHow does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?
Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:36 AMFor 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 QUESTIONKitchenHow difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Grayce Moran 7/05/2023 8:30 AMAt 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?