Anna Wheatley

The Maryland Zoo

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
295 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

2.0

whole food meals

consumed
UP TO

4.0

plastic containers

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

2.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

2.0

advocacy actions

completed

Anna's actions

Kitchen

Skip Plastic Bags

Whenever possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags. I will either use my own reusable bags, or keep my items loose.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Kitchen

Whole Foods Meals

Prioritizing whole foods is one of the most effective ways to avoid single-use plastic in the kitchen, since most whole foods can be purchased without any packaging. This month, I will prepare 1 whole foods-based meals at home each day.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Family + Pets

Use Cloth Diapers

I will replace single use diapers with reusable cloth diapers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Invest in a Pooper-Scooper

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Family + Pets

Thrifty Pets

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Family + Pets

Mend and Repair

We've all got it - that thing in the back of our closet we keep saying we'll fix "one day." I will make today that day by learning how to mend or repair ripped or broken items in my home - or by finding a local offering to do it for me.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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?

Anna Wheatley 7/31/2024 6:57 PM

It's great to see us come together as a community for this eco challenge. I wish this was extended throughout the year!

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Family + Pets Thrifty Pets

How does buying used differ from buying new? How does each purchasing decision make you feel?

Anna Wheatley 7/31/2024 12:39 PM

Used does not equal trash. There are many items that have lots of use left in them, and they are generally more cost-effective than buying new.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Family + Pets Mend and Repair

Time to brag! Show us a photo of what you repaired and tell us about the experience!

Anna Wheatley 7/31/2024 12:32 PM

This was a great experience! So, sometimes things like mending clothes feel intimidating if you've never done them before. The good news is that there are YouTube videos for everything and it so easy to learn. I found mending clothes to be satisfying and kind of relaxing.

Read More
Anna Wheatley 7/31/2024 12:07 PM

I've embraced imperfection, and it has helped me improve. When I looked at the challenge with an all-or-nothing type of mentality, it was more difficult, less enjoyable, and not nearly as successful.

Read More
- Alaska Kellum 7/31/2024 12:24 PM
  
  I also found it costly going "All-or-nothing". Pick a few things that you can do for now.
  
  Read More