Ellon Ruschell
"Trying to get better, sustainable habits to limit the destruction of our world "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 710 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO19advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO40conversationswith people
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UP TO30minutesspent learning
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UP TO22pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO38plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
Ellon's actions
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.
Family + Pets
Rubber Glove Pet Hair Removal
I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.
Community
Advocate for Office Reusables
I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.
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.
Community
Keep My Community Clean
I will pick up 1 piece(s) of litter each day.
Study
Numbers Everywhere
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.
Study
Learn about Plastic Production
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.
Study
Buy Only What I Need
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
Study
Estimate Your Ecological Footprint
I will calculate my ecological footprint, and from the results brainstorm and take action on ways I can reduce my annual footprint.
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.
Bedroom
Catch Those Microfibers
I will use a microfiber catcher in my laundry, or install a microfiber filter for my washing machine.
Kitchen
Choose Reusable Food Storage
I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).
Kitchen
Minimize Packaging
I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.
Participant Feed
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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONStudy Estimate Your Ecological FootprintWhat did you learn about your ecological footprint by using the calculator? What did or didn't surprise you? What are some ways you will take action to reduce your footprint?
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 6:16 PMYikes! I suck. If everyone was like me, we'd need 7 Earths! I think a lot of it is the fact that I live far away from things and have to drive everywhere (no public transportation) but I am trying to be better by doing things like Plastic Free July! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity Advocate for Office ReusablesWhat are some of the cases you could make to an employer for why switching to durable dishes and utensils is actually in their best interest as well?
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 6:07 PMMy employer does not provide these materials but our "social club" does. Each employee has to pay for the social club and I see so many coworkers use a paper plate every day or plastic spoon. I try to bring my own utensils from home and hope to encourage others more when school starts back up. -
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 6:00 PMDid anyone else see that in Baltimore County there is a plastic bag ban that starts Nov 1?-
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 6:01 PMhttps://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/pai/code-enforcement/bring-your-own-bag#:~:text=Starting%20November%201%2C%202023%2C%20Baltimore,the%20County's%20recycling%20processing%20plant.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity Share My ActionsHave you noticed a difference in how your community, friends, and family members use plastics since you've shared your own actions?
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 5:57 PMI haven't really been out much this year but I noticed in years past that people wouldn't want to use straws around me because they knew I was doing this challenge. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCommunity Keep My Community CleanHow does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 5:56 PMPicking up litter helps to make you have more pride in your community! -
Ellon Ruschell 7/17/2023 5:55 PMHaving a hard time remembering to check in daily :( -
Ellon Ruschell 7/10/2023 6:44 AMThese reflection questions are deep! I click them meaning to respond to how I’m doing with the action item but they seem to require a lot more -
REFLECTION QUESTIONKitchen Minimize PackagingWith 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?
Ellon Ruschell 7/05/2023 6:27 PMThere’s a lot of single use plastic in grocery stores!!!
I said no when I could today (like not putting peaches in a produce bag) but some things you can’t help (blueberries, strawberries) -
Ellon Ruschell 7/04/2023 12:16 PMSince I’ve done this challenge so many years, it’s hard to find new things to commit to! I’ve definitely formed some great habits through this challenge.