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  • Kristen  Molnar's avatar
    Kristen Molnar 7/16/2025 2:24 PM
    I joined the challenge after attending an EARTH webinar about bees and saw the group had a team for July/plastics reduction!

    • Mary Hanks's avatar
      Mary Hanks 7/16/2025 2:37 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      I joined my first Ecochallenge three years ago when I included it in a progressive action calendar for the local Pacifica radio station. I've learned so much and really changed my lifestyle as a result of my participation.

    • Julie Mapes's avatar
      Julie Mapes 7/16/2025 7:56 PM
      • TEAM CAPTAIN
      Glad to see you join the challenge! It is great to self-reflect on our own practices and see where we can improve!
  • 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's avatar
    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.
  • 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's avatar
    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.

    • Christine Lokiec's avatar
      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!

    • Whitney Shuck's avatar
      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).
  • 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's avatar
    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.

  • Bernadette Lewis's avatar
    Bernadette Lewis 7/09/2025 6:26 AM
    Went to a gathering/potluck yesterday evening with friends and several brought dishes in plactic or cover with plastic wrap. What a great opportunity to talk with others. My awareness was so much greater.

    • Christine Kitch's avatar
      Christine Kitch 7/09/2025 6:33 AM
      • Adventurer 🏔
      I specifically remember the Christmas party I went to where a lady brought in the first beeswax covering I’d ever seen. She’d wrapped her pie in it. This is the sort of impact small changes make!

    • Bernadette Lewis's avatar
      Bernadette Lewis 7/09/2025 6:38 AM
      Absolutely

  • Sarah  Griswold-Park's avatar
    Sarah Griswold-Park 7/07/2025 6:34 AM
    It was truly eye-opening to learn that there are effective ways to reduce microplastic pollution from laundry. Using tools like the Guppyfriend washing bag and the Cora Ball are two simple yet impactful options to help keep microplastics out of our wastewater system.
  • 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?

    Bernadette Lewis's avatar
    Bernadette Lewis 7/07/2025 5:41 AM
    Found out that our church takes the walmart or any plastic bags to pack food in them for kids at a local school.

  • Bernadette Lewis's avatar
    Bernadette Lewis 7/03/2025 6:43 AM
    It's amazing how easy some of this is to change. Eliminating ziplock bags for glass containers. Also now that the farmers markets are open what a great way to get your fruits and veggies and carry in your own reusable bag.

    • Bernadette Lewis's avatar
      Bernadette Lewis 7/03/2025 9:21 AM
      I agree! Much better. I haven't seen glass bowls with anything else other than plastic lids. That is all I use now.

    • Jeff Lancaster's avatar
      Jeff Lancaster 7/03/2025 7:06 AM
      • Community Builder 🤝
      I've bought a number of glass containers. Some with plastic lids, not my first choice, but better.