Lisa Brenskelle

Lutherans Restoring Creation - Gulf Coast

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
100 THIS WEEK
643 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

160

conversations

with people
UP TO

162

minutes

spent learning

Lisa's actions

Level Up: Influence Friends and Family

Invite others to join the Ecochallenge

Our actions are more powerful when we take them together. I will invite someone to join the Ecochallenge with me so we can learn and take action together.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

First Steps: Start with You

Explore plastic’s impact on communities

Plastic pollution doesn’t affect everyone equally. I will spend 5 minutes learning how plastic production, use, and disposal harm communities — especially those near waste sites.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

Change the Game: Shift Systems and Policies

Learn about policies that support reducing plastics

Policy is one of the most powerful tools for reducing plastic waste at scale. I will spend 5 minutes learning about current or proposed plastic-related policies, such as bans on single-use plastics or extended producer responsibility laws, to better understand how systems can change.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

Lead the Way: Shape Your Community

Learn about community-level options to reduce plastic

Widespread change starts with local action and community innovation. I will spend 5 minutes learning about programs or initiatives in my area that reduce plastic use, such as third-party sanitization services, repair cafes, food gleaning, lending libraries, bulk or thrift stores, bans on single-use items, or zero-waste businesses.

COMPLETED 11
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

Lisa Brenskelle 7/21/2025 12:53 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
I'm very interested in the item in this blog post about non-plastic re-usable covers for dishes (and they are fair trade certified). I think I may order some. Check them out: https://www.fairtradewinds.net/five-easy-plastic-free-alternatives/

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Lisa Brenskelle 7/18/2025 5:50 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Just read a great blog post on plastic pollution and human rights. Check it out: https://trashhero.org/does-plastic-pollution-affect-our-human-rights/

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Lisa Brenskelle 7/18/2025 5:38 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Read this article about plastic bans around the world - it's inspirational and also makes it clear that the U.S. is really behind: https://www.solinatra.com/news/plastic-bans-around-the-world

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Lisa Brenskelle 7/12/2025 5:17 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Came across this really interesting guide for cities to implement a circular framework today. Check it out: https://circulars.iclei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Circular-City-Action-Framework_V2.pdf

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Lisa Brenskelle 7/10/2025 4:43 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Came across this interesting article today: https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/worst-of-worst-plastic-waste-fs.pdf

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- Mary Hanks 7/10/2025 9:56 PM
  - TEAM CAPTAIN
  Lisa, thanks for posting this article. It aggregates a lot of critical information, including how the term "biodegradable" is often used deceptively. This reminds me that it's my responsibility to keep current on developments affecting my ability to maintain a sustainable lifestyle--and that means continuous education, whether I like it or not. Getting the facts may not be pleasant, but it's necessary in order to choose the right actions.
  
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Lisa Brenskelle 7/10/2025 4:36 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Today I came across this article on the top 20 producers of plastics in the world: https://earth.org/20-companies-produce-more-than-half-of-global-plastic-waste/

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Lisa Brenskelle 7/08/2025 5:04 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Use this tool to learn about laws your state has passed to address plastic pollution: https://www.globalplasticlaws.org/map

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Lisa Brenskelle 7/07/2025 5:49 PM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Take a look at this map of states that have implemented laws/policies to reduce plastic waste: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/resources/plastics-legislation-map-2/ There is clearly much more that can be done in other states.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

Whose health or livelihood is most impacted by plastic pollution? How does seeing the human and community impacts of plastic pollution influence your view of personal responsibility?
Lisa Brenskelle 7/04/2025 8:49 AM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
Today I took a look at deposit-return systems. I know that these are very effective, because I see them at work in Michigan, where my mother lives. It creates a real incentive to recycle since you get paid (albeit a small amount) to do so.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Change the Game: Shift Systems and Policies

What did you discover about how local laws handle plastic pollution and health impacts? Are there any gaps or opportunities for improvement that stand out to you?
Lisa Brenskelle 7/02/2025 9:16 AM
- TEAM CAPTAIN
I learned today that Austin, TX has a pay as you throw program, which has been shown in some cities to reduce trash by 30%. To ensure that the cost of pay as you throw is not overly burdensome on residents least able to pay, many communities offer discounts or free bags for elderly and low-income residents, due to high costs. Seems like a great idea to me. Maybe my city, Houston, TX, should consider this approach.

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