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Anna Reeve's avatar

Anna Reeve

National Aquarium

"My mission to be conscious of my day to day actions and be more mindful of how I treat my environment around me"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,380 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    plastic bottle
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    53
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    7.0
    advocacy actions
    completed
  • UP TO
    7.0
    conversations
    with people
  • UP TO
    52
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    59
    pieces of litter
    picked up
  • UP TO
    15
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    146
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    1.0
    waste audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    2.0
    donations
    made

Anna's actions

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 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Donate Zero Waste Period Products

I will donate 4 zero waste period kits to young people with periods so that they can reduce their waste and the financial burden of menstruation while continuing their education.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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

Community

Become a Recycling Pro

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Keep My Community Clean

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

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

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 0
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 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Study

Plastic History Buff

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Study

Dig into Bioplastics

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

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

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

Kitchen

Cook a Plastic Free Meal

I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Use a Reusable Mug

If possible, I will avoid sending 3 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

COMPLETED 22
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Use Reusable Utensils

I will keep 7 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

Kitchen

Clean Plate Club

When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Research Local Waste Sites

I will spend 10 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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.

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

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Discover Together

I will spend 5 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Tour A Waste Management Facility

I will spend at least 20 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Raise Money For a Nonprofit

I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Advocate For Better Food Packaging

I will advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Kitchen

Glass Bottle Baby

I will replace 1 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bathroom

A Sustainable Flow

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Bathroom

Homemade or Refillable Cleaners

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Study

Complete a Waste Audit

I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed


  • Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/31/2023 8:12 PM
    This month was really interesting to see all the ups and downs; there were both good and bad days but it was really eye opening to see all the different changes we can truly make in our life time!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Study
    What did you learn about the waste you create? Where can you reduce the most?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/31/2023 8:02 PM
    By looking at my most recent recycling and trash run, my waste audit is a lot different than what it used to be. I’ve learned that I can recycle more of the items I have/ receive or buy, and a lot of my trash waste has just become food scraps and simple materials that I can’t recycle because of what is accepted. One thing I’ve pinpointed that I can reduce is the amount of plastic packaging my food comes in.
  • 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?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/31/2023 7:53 PM
    Ever since looking into the field of wildlife, this has been one of the main topics at the forefront of my mind. It always pains me whenever I see a loose balloon float away or a lantern show being promoted. One way I would love to promote balloon free celebrations is by making my own decision and persuading my friends to do the same.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    How can having access to zero waste period products help people who menstruate overcome barriers to education or other opportunities?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/31/2023 7:36 PM
    By having access to these products, it will help lead to education on how to have proper hygiene during these times. It will not only help comfort those who need these items, but also help teach others.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kitchen
    How can you take your commitment to sustainable living beyond yourself and your family? How can you, personally, work toward broader change?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/30/2023 11:32 AM
    I will promote reusable items, not only to my family, but my friends as well. With other opportunities of having jobs in the future, I do plan to promote it where I can, with past and future employers. I personally am going to make the whole subject of "plastic free" and personal mission and see how much more I can learn about the use of plastics themselves to be even more prepared for next year.
  • 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?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/30/2023 11:23 AM
    With this question, I always think of plastic water bottles. After listening to past research and doing my own, the plastic within the bottle begins to break down. I'm considerably one of those people that can taste the difference in the water they drink (i know... weird). However, after a few days of having water sit in a plastic bottle, I can taste the change. Also the chemical BPA, within several single use plastics, is known to be in most plastic water bottles and can actually cause harm in the longrun.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kitchen
    How can you think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to disposables?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/30/2023 11:15 AM
    When it comes to disposables, I always think of the end result, where exactly they end up. I try and stray away from places I know package in plastic or styrofoam, or lean towards places that package in paper or cardboard. I also try and reuse the container to the best of my ability. Some examples I've had in the past, if I order Chinese food, I know they package it in reusable containers; I always wash and reuse, never throwing them away/ recycling them, unless they crack or leak.

  • Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/30/2023 10:48 AM
    After our family vacation came to a close yesterday, it dawned on me how difficult it can actually be to strive for a plastic free lifestyle. Just looking at all the items we bought while we were there and all the food we ate and took home, it was interesting to see and compare how much plastic and Styrofoam there actually in just in one singular place, even in just one restaurant. I was also very present where many of my souvenirs came from, not wanting to contribute to my carbon footprint, but wanting to keep my memories and bring something home, this was something that very much came to the forefront while looking at everything.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kitchen
    How easy was this swap for you? Did you have any concerns before making it?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/25/2023 11:16 AM
    For me this swap was pretty easy, I had already previously swapped my spray cleaning solution, so it was as difficult as I thought it was going to be. I was a bit concerned at first, worried that my dishes wouldn’t be as clean; From what I’ve seen, the refillable soap is working just as well, maybe even better.
  • 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?

    Anna Reeve's avatar
    Anna Reeve 7/25/2023 11:07 AM
    By learning about recycling rules and different ways a singular individual can change the way they recycle has changed my view a bit on how I can help. I realized I could put some recycling bins in other rooms in my apartment and encourage my family members to do so as well. Looking at the parks that I frequent often, I can encourage them to attach other bins to the trashcans and partner with local recycling facilities to help encourage that for the public. Most of the time, when one person learns, so do the people around them.