Allen Ahlert

Hitachi Vantara Manufacturing

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
62 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

25

minutes

spent learning

Allen's actions

First Steps: Start with You

Find out why plastic recycling isn’t working as we expect and where plastics end up

Many of us recycle with good intentions, but most plastic doesn’t get recycled. I will spend 5 minutes learning why plastic recycling falls short and what really happens to plastic waste.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

First Steps: Start with You

Discover the difference between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics

Not all “eco-friendly” plastics are created equal. I will spend 15 minutes exploring the differences between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics—and what happens to each at the end of its life.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

First Steps: Start with You

Understand Plastic’s Impact on My Health

Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food, water, and the air we breathe. I will spend 10 minutes learning about the health impacts of plastic exposure and explore safer swaps — like choosing glass or stainless steel over plastic for food storage and drinking water.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

First Steps: Start with You

Put reusables where I'll remember them

Reusables only help if we use them! I will set up a system that helps me remember my reusable bags, bottles, containers, or utensils — whether that means keeping them by the door, in my car, or in my bag.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

First Steps: Start with You

Explore plastic’s impact on communities

Plastic pollution doesn’t affect everyone equally. I will spend 10 minutes learning how plastic production, use, and disposal harm communities — especially those near waste sites.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

What routines or habits help you remember to use reusables, and what challenges have you run into?
Allen Ahlert 7/03/2025 3:20 PM
I keep reusable shopping bags under my driver seat since I often stop at store to get milk, eggs, produce on my way home from work.

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- Jeff Lancaster 7/09/2025 10:01 AM
  
  Community Builder 🤝
  Normally don't take reusables to Walmart. I'd probably need at least 3 or more to make it out. That reminds me, one time I took a vacation to Connecticut. They had a plastic bag ban at the time. Went to Walmart not knowing and was floored. :D
  
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- Debbi Stone 7/03/2025 3:51 PM
  
  Pet Parent 🐾
  Great idea! Having them handy = less likely to forget. 😀
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

What surprised you the most about the health impacts of plastic exposure, and how might this new understanding influence the choices you make around food storage and everyday products?
Allen Ahlert 7/03/2025 3:18 PM
Chemicals in plastics are especially harmful to young children who are growing rapidly. The chemicals and microplastics have been found on both sides of placenta and in fetuses.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

What was the most eye-opening fact you learned about the limits of recycling, and how might it shift your habits? How do you feel knowing that so much of what we put in recycling bins may never actually be recycled? What should we do differently?
Allen Ahlert 7/03/2025 3:16 PM
dirty plastic won't be recycled. Many types are not recyclable in my area. One use packets are usually metal clad and can't be recycled.

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Allen Ahlert 7/03/2025 3:12 PM
I read about chemicals in plastics, reusable wares and containers, risks of black plastics.

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