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Gia Nelson's avatar

Gia Nelson

Reid Park Zoo

"Our Reid Park Zoo's mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places."

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 571 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    26
    plastic straws
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    99
    pieces of litter
    picked up
  • UP TO
    34
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    52
    minutes
    spent learning

Gia's actions

Kitchen

Skip Plastic Bags

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

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Bathroom

A Sustainable Flow

I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Ditch Dryer Sheets

I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Study

Follow the Chasing Arrows

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 10 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Practice Sustainable Fashion

I will spend 25 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Study

Learn about Plastic Production

Plastic production, not just disposal, pollutes communities and harms people. I will learn about the impacts of plastic production on humans, animals, communities, and the environment.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Thrifty Pets

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Keep My Community Clean

I will pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Bathroom

Brush with Bamboo

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Kitchen

Swap the Snacks

I will swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Bathroom

That Was a Close Shave

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bathroom

Less Landfill, More Lather

Use shaving soap bars to reduce the use of plastic and metal cans that end up to no good place. Instead, use soap bars for a better shave and to help protect wild life.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bedroom

Sunshine Bleached

I will hang-dry my laundry to use the sun as a natural bleach alternative, or use another natural bleach alternative.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Kitchen

Go Strawless

I will keep 3 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Ziploc Vs. Containers

I will use glass containers instead of Ziploc bags for food storage to reduce one-time use bags and wraps.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Bathroom

More Bar Soap, More Better

For the remainder of the month and continuing on, replace my body wash with bar soap. Choosing this not only for its convenience but because bar soap comes in biodegradable packaging.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family + Pets
    How does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?

    Gia Nelson's avatar
    Gia Nelson 7/20/2023 9:01 PM
    I have not yet purchased used items for my pets, but in plans to do so will be worth it! Not only can I find more unique beds/toys for them, but it makes me feel better in the sense of supporting the community. Even better, I can swap out old toys/beds and keep the cycle going!

  • Gia Nelson's avatar
    Gia Nelson 7/12/2023 11:10 AM
    Learning about the ways to reduce plastic use has not only expanded my knowledge, but it has also put me in check of my daily habits and I am more aware of my plastic use.

    • Susan Rubin's avatar
      Susan Rubin 7/14/2023 5:50 AM
      I have learned that some people are not only able to reduce their plastic; but they can hold all of their trash in their hands.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Bathroom
    Disposable tampons and menstrual pads are often quite expensive. What are the economic and personal benefits of this switch for you?

    Gia Nelson's avatar
    Gia Nelson 7/12/2023 11:09 AM
    I haven't switched yet, but I definitely plan to. Some people don't realize the impact of flushing tampons and contributing to landfills with sanitary pads. Even with septic tanks, which my house has, tampons are definitely not good for those either Furthermore, single-use sanitary options aren't usually good for your body either. If you can make a $30 purchase once a year for menstrual cycles versus about $100 a year, you're not only saving money, but you're contributing to an improved environment for people and animals.

    • Susan Rubin's avatar
      Susan Rubin 7/14/2023 5:52 AM
      These options where not around for me. Pre surgery for fibroids I was wearing to large OB Tampons with a pad and no place to dispose of them at work. Now women have the cup and thinx undergarments.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Bedroom
    How can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?

    Gia Nelson's avatar
    Gia Nelson 7/12/2023 11:05 AM
    The main goal in fashion is typically to boost self-esteem. Alternatives to excessive purchases can be something like taking a nice bath with bath salts, which can in return boost your self-esteem.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Study
    Recycling right requires both systemic change and personal and community awareness. How can you expand what you've learned about the chasing arrows symbol to encourage broader changes in your community?

    Gia Nelson's avatar
    Gia Nelson 7/12/2023 11:02 AM
    People tend to mimic other people's actions, most of the time subconsciously. Something as simple as seeing others using recycling bins might encourage people to try it out for themselves. Little actions can contribute to a massive change.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Bedroom
    Often, single-use and disposable products don't just create more trash - they also contain toxins that are bad for humans. What are some other single-use items that are harmful to humans?

    Gia Nelson's avatar
    Gia Nelson 7/12/2023 10:58 AM
    Things like balloons with helium and plastic cups, containers, and straws are all a risk for human health