Skip to main content

Modal Title

Modal Description

Welcome to Plastic Free Ecochallenge!

Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Plastic Free Ecochallenge expert in no time!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums
Plastic Free Ecochallenge
July 1 - July 31, 2021

Sioux Falls Conservation Alliance Feed

Back to Team Profile

  • Reflection Question
    Lifestyle Travel Smart
    How can/did you prepare to be successful in this action? Did you engage in conversation with anyone about your new habit?
    Pat Heffernan's avatar
    Pat Heffernan 7/31/2021 5:55 PM
    Tomorrow I leave on a road trip to help a local non-profit.  I will cover 3,000 miles in three days.  I have all of my reusables ready to go, thermos for my own coffee, travel mug, large reusable water bottles and my own snacks, all in reusable containers.
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    Community Say No to Styrofoam
    How might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community?
    Pat Heffernan's avatar
    Pat Heffernan 7/31/2021 5:51 PM
    During Covid the management at work removed the regular plates, bowl and cups for common use from our kitchen.  They replaced them with styrofoam cups, coated paper plates and plastic utensils.  About a month ago I pointed out that the county promotes recycling and reducing use of harmful items and as a county facility we should be moving away from these items.  They have now stopped buying those items!
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    Community Keep My Community Clean
    How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
    Pat Heffernan's avatar
    Pat Heffernan 7/31/2021 5:44 PM
    When I am picking up trash people are more likely to say hi or engage in conversation.  This is good for the community by improving relationships.  It also gets others to think more about the trash and possibly do some cleaning up as well.
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    Community Learn about the Harms of Plastic Production
    What did you learn about how plastic production impacts humans, animals, communities, and the environment? Which of these impacts specifically affects your community?
    Pat Heffernan's avatar
    Pat Heffernan 7/31/2021 5:38 PM
    Plastic production has far reaching impacts from air and water pollution to creating less desirable places to live.
    Read More
  • Matt Eschenbrenner's avatar
    Matt Eschenbrenner 7/30/2021 6:16 AM
    Good morning,
    We are down to the last two days and I feel like the month has flown by. As a team we really picked it up this past week and I thank you for all of your dedication! We have moved up into 16th place out of nearly 400 teams. The team ahead of us is within striking distance and they have over 20 more team members than we do. This shows that we are big on quality over quantity. I will take quality any day. 

    It has been wonderful having you all on the team. Lets finish strong and more importantly, keep up our commitments long after this challenge is over. I look forward to seeing you all again next July!

    Matt
    Read More
  • Carla Hepp's avatar
    Carla Hepp 7/29/2021 10:57 AM
    Time went so fast all I can say is lets keep this challenge alive in our daily lives to make a change in the environment. One small ripple.......
    Read More
  • Andrea Kopp's avatar
    Andrea Kopp 7/28/2021 6:14 PM
    Today I replaced ALL shower products with a soap bar, shampoo bar, and conditioner bar. PLASTIC FREE. The understatement is that I’m excited. 💪🏼🌱 This Plastic-Free challenge has prompted some awesome changes. 
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    Personal Care Lather Up
    What are the economic and personal benefits of switching to bar soap/shampoo/conditioner or refillable bottle options?
    Andrea Kopp's avatar
    Andrea Kopp 7/28/2021 9:43 AM
    Personal Benefits: I'm starting to use products that are safer and healthier for my skin and hair! I was super excited to pick out bar shampoo and conditioner to jump start this new habit. :) We are more intentional about beauty products that we are purchasing, and it will save us money in the long run! 
    Economic: I am helping to eliminate plastic bottles from my purchases, and this has a ripple effect with friends and family. 
    Read More
  • Reflection Question
    Community Keep My Community Clean
    How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
    Andrea Kopp's avatar
    Andrea Kopp 7/28/2021 9:40 AM
    Taking time to pick up litter around my home, work, and community helps me to take ownership in the spaces that I live, work, and thrive. I have also noticed that when I am intentional about picking up trash I see, the people around me follow suit! I was on a walk with my cousin and brought along a trash bag. He asked a lot of questions, but then he joined in! 
    Read More
  • Pat Heffernan's avatar
    Pat Heffernan 7/28/2021 8:38 AM
    PICKING UP TRASH WHILE I TAKE OUR PUPPY FOR A WALK IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE.  I HAVE HAD TO VARY MY ROUTE TO FIND MORE TRASH AS THE NORMAL ROUTE IS STAYING CLEAN!
    Read More
load more posts