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
Kitchen
Plastic Free Lunch Boxes
I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and containers in my family's lunches to reduce plastic waste.
COMPLETED 13
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
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
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
Kitchen
Switch to Loose Leaf Tea
Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.
COMPLETED 14
DAILY ACTIONS
Kitchen
Glass Bottle Baby
I will replace 2 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
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.
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
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day.
COMPLETED 8
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 20 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.
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 30 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.
COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION
Kitchen
Swap the Snacks
I will swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.
COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS
Participant Feed
REFLECTION
QUESTION
Kitchen
Besides having access to fresh herbs and vegetables, what benefits will you see from growing your own garden?
I’ve been growing sunflowers for some time now and this year I decided to grow Mammoth Sunflowers which can grow up to 15 feet tall and it’s seeds can be roasted as a snack. Once fully bloomed I hope to reuse these sunflowers as bird food as well as a healthy !
so jealous i wish i had room for sunflowers. i'm moving to texas in a year and hopefully i will be able to plant them there. i don't eat sunflower seeds but yellow is my favorite color and the birds and squirrels can have the seeds haha.
Beyond reducing waste, there are many benefits to packing zero waste lunches (for kids or yourself!). What other benefits have you noticed from this practice?
By using more reusable lunch items, I have supported small businesses by purchasing there reusable products! Mermaid Straw is a company that makes reusable straws, cutlery, and more to help people save the world from plastic pollution.
Jessica Taylor 7/16/2023 12:55 PMso jealous i wish i had room for sunflowers. i'm moving to texas in a year and hopefully i will be able to plant them there. i don't eat sunflower seeds but yellow is my favorite color and the birds and squirrels can have the seeds haha.