I noticed on multiple occasions that landscaping companies and municipalities did not collect plastic debris prior to mowing. Shredded material was found on school grounds and along medians, not just personal property. This motivates me to contact those responsible and request they enact a policy or a more affective method for ensuring plastic, and other items, are picked up first.

First and foremost, it allows them to literally GO to school. Living in America, this was never really an option so it’s hard to think those in other countries may have to choose…or have the choice made for them, which is more often the case. Using zero waste period products proves just about anything can be modified for the betterment of the planet. So it’s a lesson in itself too. This knowledge could lead users to feel more confident with other plastic free items and not like an outcast. Zero wasters and plastic freers are the cool kids!

Only a small amount but that’s because I’ve been doing this for a while and they’ve heard my messaging! My biggest hope is to make an impact at work. Not only are things recycled incorrectly, recyclables are placed in the trash :( Ultimately, every zoo is a conservation organization so staff should “walk the walk”. Otherwise we’re hypocrites. Seeing this team step up is giving me faith the new behaviors might stick!

Growing up my family would often use plastic bags to store leftovers in. I am glad that for the most part we have moved away from this, however, sometimes I still have to remind my parents not to use them unless it's a last resort. I understand that they are convenient, and it makes clean up easier since you don't have dishes to wash once the food is finished but it creates so much waste that it's worth having a few extra dishes to clean instead.
Normally if my family orders takeout that comes in plastic containers, we will save these and use them for food storage so that we can get at least a few more uses out of them before recycling them. They are also really great for sending gusts home with leftover because you don't have to worry about getting your containers back.
Obviously reducing plastic waste is best and having sturdy, long lasting glass/ceramic food containers is better, but we all inevitable end up with some drawer or cabinet filled with misc takeout containers so it's good to get as much use out of them as we can!

Surprisingly not chewing gum was one of the bigger challenges for me during this month. I enjoy chewing gum for the minty flavor after lunch or sometimes as a way to keep me occupied when I get bored or tired.
While some days I really just want the specific niche that chewing gum fills, for the most part I was able to switch to mints instead. I miss having the longevity of gum, but I do enjoy the crunch of a good mint!

It's so easy to fall into the "retail therapy" trap. Breaking that cycle for a little bit helps alot and in the long in run I'm hoping it will help me budget and develop healthier spending habits

Saves time and money being able to avoid unnecessary steps! Apples, oranges and bananas for the win!

My kids are perfectly happy eating whole apples and whole apples don't need to be packaged separately! It saves more time than you think!

Little fabric/zippered snack bags are gold! We put them in the laundry when they are dirty. I also have reusable ziplocs and beeswraps. The beeswraps are annoying to clean because you can't use hot water, but they are pretty and can be used as bowl covers! I've also re-used food packaging in the past