maggie bach

If you’re looking for ideas on how to begin or continue the journey of a zero waste lifestyle, join the Office of Sustainability for one of our BYOB virtual Lunch & Learns on zero waste living! As part of the Plastic Free July Ecochallenge, we will be giving our own tips, tricks, and recommendations for favorite zero waste items and habits, and hoping to hear about yours as well!

When available, I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.

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.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to begin or continue the journey of a zero waste lifestyle, join the Office of Sustainability for one of our BYOB virtual Lunch & Learns on zero waste living! As part of the Plastic Free July Ecochallenge, we will be giving our own tips, tricks, and recommendations for favorite zero waste items and habits, and hoping to hear about yours as well!

Take a lunch break with us on Thursday, July 15th, from 12-1pm as our super-talented Assistant Director of Sustainability, Cassie Hage, walks us through the process of making yogurt at home!

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and tupperware-like containers in my children's lunches to reduce plastic waste.

I will prepare 1 meal(s) at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.

I will keep 4 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

Come to this virtual townhall to discuss WashU's plastic usage and how we can use university resources to systematically reduce that.

I will replace 10 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

I will provide daily plastic free alternatives (straws, water bottles, cuttlery, bar soap, bamboo toothbrushes, etc.) for my family to use.

I will spend 15 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

I will replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar.

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

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 give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

I will purchase refillable beauty products.

I will lessen my plastic impact by making my own makeup.

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

To kick off Plastic Free July, join us outside Schnuck Pavilion on Danforth Campus anytime between 4:30 and 6 pm to upcycle an old t-shirt into a tote bag! This is also a great opportunity to socialize as well as learn more about the Plastic-Free Ecochallenge.

The sustainability team at the Med school is hosting a virtual discussion on the life cycle of plastic on Wednesday, June 30th, from 12PM-1PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more about plastic as well as how to participate in this Ecochallenge!