Join the movement to refuse single-use plastics with Plastic Free Ecochallenge!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums

Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2023

July 1 - July 31, 2023

Save the Florida manatees and our waterways! Feed

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community

What did you and your family learn about environmental justice? What questions came up for you? What feelings?
Shelly Drummond 7/31/2023 6:00 PM
I learned that women are disproportionately likely to suffer from plastic toxicity which is incredibly frustrating and demoralizing. However, I also watched an inspiring video on Nzambi Matee who makes pavers out of plastic waste and was a 'Young Champion of the Earth' Award winner. As she says, "You have to be True to your Why."

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Kitchen

With the added mindfulness of reducing your packaging, what have you noticed about the amount and type of single use plastics used for packaging when you shop in the grocery store?
Carol Dittmar 7/31/2023 2:41 PM
There seem to be a lot of various plastics that aren't necessary. I purchased some reusable bags in different sizes to replace using the produce bags from the store, but so many items are wrapped and double-wrapped in too much plastic.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Study

What did you learn about the waste you create? Where can you reduce the most?
Amy Nachbor 7/31/2023 2:02 PM
So many things are individually packaged using plastic. You don't realize how much waste you produce that will not easily biodegrade! Trying to buy in bulk is a good way to reduce putting all those little packages into a landfill

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Kitchen

Have you noticed a shift in your community as more messaging about reusable straws becomes mainstream? Cite some examples.
Amy Nachbor 7/31/2023 1:59 PM
I think many people would embrace reusable straws if they became more readily available. Restaurants would be a great place to start, particularly with their large-scale sanitizers, which would be able to clean them thoroughly between guests. This would give people a chance to try a reusable straw out, while also reducing the number of straws going into the landfill.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Kitchen

How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?
Amy Nachbor 7/31/2023 1:56 PM
Switching to reusable bags rather than plastic is a relatively easy switch to make in my daily life. These days there are so many fun and unique reusable bag patterns! And I always get compliments on my ZooTampa giraffe tote :)

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community

What are the benefits of a sharing economy? How could a sharing economy change the dynamics you have with friends, family and/or neighbors?
Shelly Drummond 7/31/2023 12:44 PM
The benefits of a sharing economy are sharing resources and reducing waste. By sharing our unused stuff we are keeping items out of the dump and avoiding unnecessary upurchasing. It is a more responsible use of our resources. Today, I took the time to learn how to and repair an old notebook for my daughter that can be used at college.

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Shelly Drummond 7/31/2023 12:32 PM
I've had a good month, after a bit of a slow start. My household has made some changes which I hope will make maintaining this momentum easier. We have some natural cleaners, I've switched to a metal razor, and I've invested in more loose leaf tea. I've gotten into the habit of carrrying a reusable restaurant leftovers to go container with me in the car. All in all, this annual audit of sorts has kept me motivated. I'm hoping to continue fresh food preparation going forward, and I'll catch up on a couple of my outstanding goals in the next month!

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jonathan marshall 7/31/2023 10:31 AM
GOOOIIINNNGGG GGGGREEEEEEEAAAAT!!!

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Heather Segura 7/31/2023 10:13 AM
To all my ecofriendly peeps out there...thank you for being a part of the Plastic Free July challenge. Your efforts truly matter!

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Sandra Morrison 7/31/2023 9:25 AM
HI!

We're almost there.

As July winds down, I would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment and your efforts to make a positive impact on the world. There's still one last day to be a part of something big and meaningful this summer - by joining the Zoo's Save the Florida manatees and our waterways. After tomorrow you can continue the momentum by discovering new ways you can incorporate sustainability into your day-to-day life. From bamboo toothbrushes to homemade pet treats to supporting a nonprofit, you'll find a variety of ways to join the movement and create a healthier planet.

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