
- Eco-Conscious Consumer 🛍
Modal Description
Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an Beyond Plastic Ecochallenge 2025 expert in no time!
"SMALL STEPS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOU AND ME!"
Every reusable cup, plate, or utensil at work makes a difference. I will talk with my team or leadership about switching to reusable products in shared spaces like break rooms or kitchens.
Sharing or giving away unwanted items can reduce plastic waste and build community connections. I will set up or promote a free store at my workplace, school, or church to help redistribute surplus items — like office supplies, kitchenware, clothing, or books — and keep them in use rather than buying new.
My everyday choices can influence others. I will carry and use a reusable kit in public spaces, modeling plastic-reducing behaviors and showing that small changes are possible.
Visual cues can inspire action in shared spaces. I will place a friendly sign or reminder in a common area — like a kitchen, bathroom, or office — to encourage less plastic use and spark conversation. I’ll include a clear, specific call to action so people know exactly how to take the next step.
Change starts at home. I will create a fun challenge with my household — like using no single-use plastic for a day or swapping out a product — to make plastic reduction a shared goal.
Clear, accessible information makes it easier for others to take action. I will create or share a simple guide with tips, resources, or local options to help people in my community, organization, or group reduce plastic use.
Even the best intentions can be forgotten in the rush of daily life. I will create a system — like a note on the door or a checklist — to help me and others in my household remember to grab our reusables before we go.
Even small swaps can add up to big impact. I will replace one product I use regularly — like soap, cleaning spray, or snacks — with a refillable or plastic-free version.
Giving can be an act of change and inspiration. I will give a thoughtful, plastic-free or plastic-reducing gift — like a reusable bag, bottle, or bar soap — to someone in my life and share why I chose it.
Access is key to making sustainable choices easier. I will suggest a refill station (like for water, soap, or dry goods) or a returnable container system in a space I use regularly — such as a school, office, store, or gym — to help make plastic-free options more visible and convenient for everyone.
Having reusables ready and integrated into your daily routine can help you avoid single-use plastic while out and about. I will put together a kit with items like a mug, water bottle, utensils, or tote bag to take with me when I leave the house.
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.
Fast fashion is a major source of plastic pollution. I will organize a clothing swap with friends, neighbors, or coworkers to keep clothes in use longer, reduce plastic-based textiles, and build community.
Our grocery habits are one of the biggest sources of single-use plastic, from packaging on produce to plastic bags and containers. I will spend 10 minutes researching low-plastic shopping strategies and make a list of things to look for or do differently the next time I go to the store.
Learning or sharing repair skills can keep useful items in use and out of the landfill. I will teach or learn a skill to extend the life of a product — like sewing, electronic repair, or furniture restoration — and share what I did with my community, workplace, or group to encourage others to do the same.
Big changes often begin with one bold conversation. I will bring up the topic of reducing plastic at school, work, or in a group I’m part of, planting the seed for collective action.
Food businesses are major sources of single-use plastic. I will talk to a local café, food truck, or restaurant about allowing reusable containers, more sustainable materials, or cutting down on unnecessary plastic packaging.
Sharing ideas helps us stay motivated and discover new ways to take action. I will share ideas with friends or family members about ways we each reduce plastic in our lives.
Understanding my plastic footprint is a powerful first step toward making change. I will complete a short online plastic calculator, like the one from rePurpose Global, to estimate my annual plastic use and explore ways to reduce it.
Widespread change starts with local action and community innovation. I will spend 10 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.
My voice can influence change. I will find out when local meetings or comment periods are happening and speak up about plastic waste or pollution in my community. Whether it’s a public forum or written comment, I’ll share my concerns to help advance more sustainable practices and policies.
Where we spend our money shapes the market. I will support a business that offers plastic-free, low-waste, or refillable products or services.
Events are powerful moments to inspire change. I will include a brief message, resource, or tip about reducing plastic at a meeting, celebration, or community gathering I attend or help organize.
Some nonprofits are leading the charge to change policies and corporate practices. I will donate to an organization working to reduce plastic at the source and promote systemic solutions for a healthier planet.
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.