

Emery Schlichtenmyer
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 750 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0plastic bottlenot sent to the landfill
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UP TO11plastic strawsnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO5.0conversationswith people
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UP TO2.0plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1.0donationmade
Emery's 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.
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.
Bathroom
Homemade or Refillable Cleaners
I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.
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.
Bathroom
Sustainable Suds
I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable options.
Kitchen
Minimize Packaging
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
Kitchen
Swap the Snacks
I will swap out 1 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.
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.
Community
Raise Money For a Nonprofit
I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.
Family + Pets
Thrifty Pets
I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.
Bathroom
Pearly Whites
I will switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.
Kitchen
Better Gum
I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.
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.
Participant Feed
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomWhat are the economic and personal benefits of switching to bar soap/shampoo/conditioner or refillable bottle options?
Emery Schlichtenmyer 7/31/2023 11:25 AMI started researching new toiletries before this challenge actually started because I wanted to find products better for my health. The companies that produce more environmentally conscious products tend to favor more ethical production processes and healthier ingredients as well. These products are more expensive, but as long as we can afford them the benefits to earth and our bodies are a win-win. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFamily + PetsHow does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?
Emery Schlichtenmyer 7/31/2023 11:23 AMBuying used in this specific case turned out to be much cheaper than buying new. We found some very nice ceramic dishes the perfect size for cat food for $1 each. New dishes - especially ceramic - would go for $4-5 minimum each. It's also nice knowing you're giving a product a new life away from a trash heap. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBathroomCurrently most of the packaging for toothpaste is plastic. How can you advocate for more alternatives through your purchasing power and influence in community?
Emery Schlichtenmyer 7/31/2023 11:21 AMI did research on plastic-free toothpaste - mostly toothpaste bites - and realized that reducing plastic use with my toothpaste purchase is not the most financially sustainable choice. Plastic-free and sustainable toiletries and cosmetics in general are more expensive than the less environmentally friendly options, which I think is what deters many people who want to make a difference.
How do we change this as individuals? I don't know. My first thought is following the trail of subsidies and seeing if there are any changes on federal or state levels that we could vote for.
Making sustainability more financially in reach for the common person would require more lifestyle changes than just switching products. Buying less "stuff" in general, prioritizing needs and fewer wants, buying things used or secondhand. -
Emery Schlichtenmyer 7/29/2023 12:06 PMWith the proceeds from Facebook secondhand sales and today's yard sale we raised $87 for Ocean Conservancy's mission to clean up trash from beaches and waterways!