2019 People's Ecochallenge

Michael's points

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
472 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

12

plastic straws

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

24

disposable cups

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

1,440

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

48

plastic bottles

not sent to the landfill

Michael's actions

Waste

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

I will keep 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Skip the Straw

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use Reusable Bags

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Recycle Everything I Can

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, making sure to not contaminate recyclables with non-recyclables.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Waste

Use a Reusable Mug

I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

What do you do if you find yourself in the situation of needing a bag for items but don't have a reusable one with you? Carry things out in your hands? In a cart? Accept a disposable one? If you find yourself in this position often, what system could you put in place to try to create a successful habit of not using plastic bags?
Michael Frank 10/02/2019 1:07 PM

I have used reusable bags for my groceries for years now. Since Connecticut introduces a ban on single-use plastic bags, I have found myself forgetting my reusable bags when in other stores (pet stores, the mall, etc...). I have, on more than one occasion, walked out carrying my items. It's not about the imposed charge to me - it's more a reminder to remember next time. If I leave a reusable bag in a more visible place (the trunk isn't working so well!) I should be able to better form this habit.

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- Elizabeth Kemp 10/03/2019 10:16 AM
  
  So with you on this. Getting better about remembering the bags in the trunk before I get into the store and going back to retrieve them. Bonus: more steps! Just like any new process, takes awhile to adopt a new habit.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Waste

What have you learned about what is accepted by local haulers for recycling, what you can drop off or ship to certain places, and what is not recyclable in your area? What is the most difficult part of recycling for you?
Michael Frank 10/02/2019 12:44 PM

The most challenging part of recycling for me is learning exactly what is not recyclable. The recycling guidelines provided by the waste stream provider is vague in its description, leading to confusion. I often find that my fiance' and I don't have the same opinion about what is recyclable, and we need to discuss it and/or look up further information.

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