Shawntaye Gaines

Manatee Lagoon

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
55 THIS WEEK
163 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

50

conversations

with people
UP TO

290

minutes

spent learning

Shawntaye's 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 8
DAILY ACTIONS

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 10 minutes exploring the differences between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics—and what happens to each at the end of its life.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY 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 5
DAILY ACTIONS

First Steps: Start with You

Understand plastic labels

Those recycling numbers and symbols can be confusing. I will spend 10 minutes learning what different plastic labels mean, including what can and can’t be recycled, to make more informed choices when I shop.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

First Steps: Start with You

Learn how plastic is made

Understanding the origins of plastic helps us see its environmental impact more clearly. I will spend 10 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Level Up: Influence Friends and Family

What conversations came up when you invited someone? Did anything surprise you about their response or perspective?
Shawntaye Gaines 7/19/2025 10:02 AM
When I invited someone, the conversation quickly turned into a deep discussion about environmental responsibility. I was surprised by how passionate they were and how much they already knew.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

How does understanding the origin of plastic change the way you think about using it in everyday life?
Shawntaye Gaines 7/19/2025 10:00 AM
Understanding that plastic originates from fossil fuels and takes hundreds of years to decompose makes me more cautious about using it in daily life. I now prioritize reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable alternatives and try to limit single-use plastics whenever possible. This awareness has made me more intentional about my consumption and more supportive of sustainable practices and products.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

What do you think the confusion around plastic labels says about our waste systems — and how could they be improved? What role do you think clear labeling should play in helping people make better choices — and who should be responsible for that?
Shawntaye Gaines 7/19/2025 9:58 AM
The confusion around plastic labels highlights a lack of standardization and public education in our waste systems. Clear labeling is essential to help people recycle properly and make informed choices. Government agencies should take the lead in creating uniform labeling standards, while manufacturers must be held accountable for using clear, honest labels. Collaboration between policymakers, companies, and waste management services is key to improving the system and reducing environmental harm.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

How do these different materials shift your sense of what’s truly “sustainable” — and what’s just marketing? Are bioplastics accepted by your city's waste management?
Shawntaye Gaines 7/19/2025 9:50 AM
These materials made me rethink what’s actually sustainable versus clever marketing. I’ve learned that many bioplastics aren’t accepted by local waste systems, which limits their impact.

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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?
Shawntaye Gaines 7/19/2025 9:48 AM
I was surprised to learn plastics release harmful chemicals. Now, I’ll use glass containers and avoid heating food in plastic products.

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