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Mary Buchanan's avatar

Mary Buchanan

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 740 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    840
    minutes
    spent outdoors

Mary's actions

Family + Pets

Embrace Imperfection

Eliminating 100% of all plastic from our lives simply isn't possible. Throughout this month, I will embrace imperfection in my plastic-free journey while exploring and testing new ways to reduce my plastic footprint.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Community

Go For a Walk

Science has shown that focused time in nature calms our over-worked frontal lobe and gives space for the areas of our brain associated with emotions, pleasure, and empathy to take over, providing a sense of calm that is measurable in brain scans and even blood tests. Each day this month, I will spend 10 minutes outside in nature, and share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the Participant Feed.

COMPLETED 31
DAILY ACTIONS

Family + Pets

Thrifty Pets

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Community
    What have you noticed about your mental and/or physical health while going on daily walks? How has it affected other areas of your life?

    Mary Buchanan's avatar
    Mary Buchanan 7/31/2024 7:19 PM
    Depending on the day and circumstances, it can be invigorating.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family + Pets
    How has embracing imperfection impacted your plastic-free journey?

    Mary Buchanan's avatar
    Mary Buchanan 7/31/2024 7:18 PM
    It's help eliminate guilt from when I can't avoid plastic or other less sustainable practices. It's not about being perfect, but it is about working on my own impact. Every little step by each person does make a difference.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Family + Pets
    How does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?

    Mary Buchanan's avatar
    Mary Buchanan 7/31/2024 7:13 PM
    It helps you make more sustainable decisions, and it feels pretty good when you find something that works better.

  • Mary Buchanan's avatar
    Mary Buchanan 7/31/2024 7:11 PM
    I was delayed to update my progress on this page, but I'd been tracking it personally!

  • Mary Buchanan's avatar
    Mary Buchanan 7/31/2024 7:08 PM
    I started strong and am determined to keep it going!