Christine Lokiec

The Hartford Earth Team

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
166 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

8.0

ideas

shared
UP TO

163

minutes

spent learning

Christine'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 20 minutes learning why plastic recycling falls short and what really happens to plastic waste.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

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 2
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 15 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

First Steps: Start with You

Check recycling near me

Recycling rules vary by location. I’ll spend 30 minutes learning which plastics my local program accepts. This helps me avoid “wishcycling” — tossing items in the bin and hoping they’ll be recycled, even if they aren’t.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Level Up: Influence Friends and Family

Swap ideas for reducing plastic with someone close to you

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.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

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?
Christine Lokiec 7/14/2025 11:21 AM
Knowing that a lot of the communication and so called 'commitment' to recycling by large companies is basically false advertising to get people to buy their products is really frustrating. That and the fact that so little plastic that is put into a recycling bin is actually recycled has increased my commitment to limit the amount of plastic in my purchases.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Level Up: Influence Friends and Family

What new ideas or perspectives came up in your conversation? Did anything surprise or challenge you? Did anyone share ways they reduce plastics with you? If so, post the new ideas in the feed!
Christine Lokiec 7/14/2025 11:15 AM
Started using a vinegar/water solution for weed control in reusable spray bottles. Not only better for the environment but cheaper.

Read More
- Christine Lokiec 7/23/2025 1:04 PM
  Hi Whitney...thanks for the advice. The solution I use works for a little while but then need to reapply so anything that will help for longer I'm willing to try!
  
  Read More
- Whitney Shuck 7/14/2025 11:53 AM
  Hi Christine! If you have any Asian food markets near you, check to see if they have 20% acetic acid vinegar. You need to dilute it and be very careful using it, and it's NOT for consumption of any kind, but it does a great job on really stubborn weeds. Adding a drop or two of liquid dish detergent to the mixture will make it stick to the leaves of whatever you're trying to kill. Spray on a hot day with no breeze and watch those weeds wither and die. I also read the other day that vodka will kill broadleaf weeds (recipe for spray: 1 oz vodka, 2 c water, a few drops of dish detergent).
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
First Steps: Start with You

What did you discover about recycling and waste management in your area that more people should know? How might you share that knowledge?
Christine Lokiec 7/14/2025 11:14 AM
Found out that plastic prescription bottles aren't taken by most most town recycling programs so did research to see what to do with them. Found out that many veterinarian places will accept cleaned prescription bottles to dispense medication for pets so will be saving and donating them.

Read More