Join the movement to refuse single-use plastics with Plastic Free Ecochallenge!

Coalition of North American Zoos and Aquariums

Plastic Free Ecochallenge

July 1 - July 31, 2021

Sioux Falls Conservation Alliance Feed

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Andrea Kopp 7/31/2021 8:12 PM

This has been the highlight of the month. I’m so excited to incorporate some lifestyle changes beyond this challenge!

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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 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.

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Reflection Question
Community Say No to Styrofoam

How might styrofoam be an environmental justice and/or environmental racism issue in your community?

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!

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Reflection Question
Community Keep My Community Clean

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

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.

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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 7/31/2021 5:38 PM

Plastic production has far reaching impacts from air and water pollution to creating less desirable places to live.

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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

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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.......

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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.

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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 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.

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Reflection Question
Community Keep My Community Clean

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?

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!

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