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Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2023 expert in no time!
"Being sustainable is a big mission in my life. As a horticulturist, I lean more towards the natural side of being green - saving water, planting my own garden, picking up trash, being outdoors, and preserving my own food via canning. I love the whole idea of Victory Gardens and wish we all had the opportunity to be able to do that!"
Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 20 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.
Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.
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.
I will calculate my ecological footprint, and from the results brainstorm and take action on ways I can reduce my annual footprint.
I will swap out 1 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.
I will keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
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.
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.
The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 20 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.
I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.
I will spend 20 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.
When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
