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?
I joined because I want to reduce plastic everywhere! I want plastics made of mycellium or other plant materials that biodegrade. Better yet, biodegradeable plastics that feed fish & birds! However, I'm posting today about saving water and watering my garden with water saved in the shower and in the kitchen sink. I've been "showering with a tree" since 1990, when I met the man who started San Diego People for Trees, Mark Wisniewski, who advised me to do it. Keep a 2 gallon bucket in your shower and save the water to heat up shower and while you're showering to fill the bucket. Pour on garden and repeat. I've also been keeping bowls and dishpans in the kitchen sink since the 1990s and empty them regularly into plants in pots near the kitchen with water used for washing veges & dishes. I've also walked buckets down apartment stairs to a garden or a street tree well when I've lived in a city apartment. Don't let it all go down the drain, there are thirsty trees everywhere. Thanks for being part of the Plastic Free Ecochallenge everyone!
Enjoyed many ways to conserve and reduce consumption of items, this message needs to be spread to larger groups. I recently bought a Battery storage and tester from Home Depo and liked it so much I bought them for Christmas gifts for all my staff they run under 15 dollars..
Jars can be use to start roots from clipped plants. Jars are great fore storage for grains & rice. You can also store cereals. Some jars make good drinking glasses.
What did you learn about how plastic production impacts humans, animals, communities, and the environment? Which of these impacts specifically affects your community?
I was surprised to learn that the impact from the life cycle of plastics isn't well researched/understood. The fact that plastics are such a significant contributor to climate change and that around 40% are single-use is just heartbreaking.
Sometimes, it seems like the challenges with climate change and the environment are insurmountable. And honestly, after this month, I realized more than ever that while each person's daily actions are critical, the real change needs to come from us pushing our leaders to do better... to be better. To do the courageous thing. Because these are systemic issues that need systemic solutions. The parts about this challenge that I appreciated the most were learning about the bigger picture --- learning about the systems, and learning about the huge positive changes that have already taken place. I am leaving the Challenge far more informed, curious, and empowered than when I started. I'm so grateful to everyone who made this possible. Thank you!
Thank you so much for participating! We're so glad that the actions and the challenge as a whole had a positive impact for you. And I agree - the larger systemic changes will definitely take some hard work but it's so necessary.
Where we choose to spend (and invest) our money is one of the most powerful ways we can shape the future we want. What are some other ways you can ensure that your money is being used in ways that align with your personal values?
I thought it was interesting that a cursory look at the City of Los Angeles Retirement System (LACERS), shows a number of attempts by political leaders requesting divesting from fossil fuels, but that the LACERS Board continues to come back with a non-answer (https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2019/19-1577_rpt_LACERS_04-28-21.pdf). It seems like every couple of years, this topic comes up, and then the Board responds with "we have a detailed plan for how to address "risky/climate investments," but with no real meat to the bones (i.e. divesting from fossil fuels). Perhaps I was looking at old paperwork. Please let me know if that's the case. I will continue to do research on this. Divesting is an important tool and I think it's interesting that Ireland New York and San Francisco were all able to fully divest from fossil fuels and still maintain their fiduciary responsibility.
Did anything you learned surprise you about plastics, fossil fuels, and oil subsidies? If we eliminate oil subsidies, what are some externalities we, our communities, and our society may face as a result? What's one way you'll advocate for social justice alongside these necessary environmental protections?
Mary Renaker 8/01/2024 10:20 AMI joined because I want to reduce plastic everywhere! I want plastics made of mycellium or other plant materials that biodegrade. Better yet, biodegradeable plastics that feed fish & birds! However, I'm posting today about saving water and watering my garden with water saved in the shower and in the kitchen sink. I've been "showering with a tree" since 1990, when I met the man who started San Diego People for Trees, Mark Wisniewski, who advised me to do it. Keep a 2 gallon bucket in your shower and save the water to heat up shower and while you're showering to fill the bucket. Pour on garden and repeat. I've also been keeping bowls and dishpans in the kitchen sink since the 1990s and empty them regularly into plants in pots near the kitchen with water used for washing veges & dishes. I've also walked buckets down apartment stairs to a garden or a street tree well when I've lived in a city apartment. Don't let it all go down the drain, there are thirsty trees everywhere. Thanks for being part of the Plastic Free Ecochallenge everyone!
Katherine Moore-Freeman 8/01/2024 1:56 PMI love this.
Gretchen Lira 8/01/2024 9:57 AMCongratulations to everyone on Team Ape!! We did it!
Stephen Duprey 8/01/2024 7:36 AMEnjoyed many ways to conserve and reduce consumption of items, this message needs to be spread to larger groups.
Rozia Francis 7/31/2024 8:58 PMPlastic Free Challenge 2024
Plastic Free @ Columbus Zoo 8/01/2024 7:39 AMThank you so much for participating! We're so glad that the actions and the challenge as a whole had a positive impact for you. And I agree - the larger systemic changes will definitely take some hard work but it's so necessary.
Angela Tumbucon 7/31/2024 7:54 PMLearning about little known oil subsidies and sharing them with others is a small way to advocate for social justice.