Faith McKinzey-Rodmaker

Heather&Shanna's MightySouth'rs

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
120 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

70

minutes

spent learning

Faith's 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 30 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.

COMPLETED 2
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 2
DAILY 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 2
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 1
DAILY ACTION

First Steps: Start with You

Check recycling near me

Recycling rules vary by location. I’ll spend 5 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 1
DAILY ACTION

Participant Feed

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?
Faith McKinzey-Rodmaker 7/03/2025 5:40 AM
From the list I received from my area is different ones are only for certain counties. Most have a list of what they will accept. Closest one to me is approximately 12 miles.

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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?
Faith McKinzey-Rodmaker 7/01/2025 8:51 AM
I was completely surprised that what is labeled as recyclable is really not recyclable. It's CRAZY!! Something needs to be done about how companies label their packaging.

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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?
Faith McKinzey-Rodmaker 7/01/2025 8:42 AM
What most surprised me was that it can affect our neurological system. I also read that it may be some cause of diabetes. I need to do more research on this subject matter.

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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?
Faith McKinzey-Rodmaker 7/01/2025 8:41 AM
With much talk about how the chemicals used in making plastic and that it leaches into our food, water and air, I now know that I will be more aware of using such items.

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Faith McKinzey-Rodmaker 7/01/2025 8:34 AM
I believe it will take everyone to participate in making the world a better place. I feel I need to do my part. I hope to incorporate some of the things I learn and put them to use in my everyday life.

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