Community Team

The most eye opening fact: I had assumed the items I placed in the Blue Bin was recycled. I followed the instructions received. I'm really disappointed since I thought I was doing "good" by helping to repurpose items to reduce adding pollutants into the environment.

Confusion stems from the labeling is not consistent across plastic or recycled materials. Not all cities or counties treat recycling the same. Also, there doesn't seem to be an incentive to recycle items.

I noticed I used plastics out of "convenience" example, plastic spoons, forks, etc. Actual silverware can be washed very quickly, it's sturdy and I don't have to worry about if it's and is sturdy.

Ditched plastic water bottles completely. Now refilling glass jugs a local well for all our drinking water.

I have started making my checklist before going market to keep in the mind how Can I select the non-plastic products. I always carry cloth bag along with me to avoid using plastic bags. If I can't avoid plastic aleast trying to minimize the uses.

Looking into ways in which I can store food (cooked) and reduce the plastic footprint. This Ecochallenge was quite an eye opener for me.

Sharing the goal to reduce plastic use with others can be challenging. Older people are less receptive. Being kind and gentle regarding the topic gets you much further!

Using bar soaps is a good way to reduce your plastic use. Even if you buy large containers of liquid hand soap and refill the sink-side containers, that's still a lot of plastic! I also learned about shampoo bars recently. Another way to cut down on plastics. That's next!

Macroplastics break down into microplastics and can enter our bodies in a variety of ways. Making the switch to safer food storage containers is a good way to reduce that risk.

People need to understand that only labeled materials can be processed by most recycling facilities and putting non-labeled materials in can mess up the system. Manufacturers of containers should be required to label all recyclable materials properly and clearly.