Ayman Hassan

Normandale Environmental Chemistry

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
196 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

1.3

pounds of CO2

have been saved
UP TO

5.0

pieces of litter

picked up
UP TO

0.2

pounds

waste avoided
UP TO

0.3

pounds

packaging waste avoided
UP TO

1.0

plastic bottle

not sent to the landfill
UP TO

15

minutes

spent learning

Ayman's actions

Plastics 101

Read Plastic-Free Challenge emails

I will read through the three emails each week to learn more about plastic and get ideas on how to use less.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Make Green Cleaners

I will make 1 of my own cleaning products (cleaners, detergents, soaps) instead of buying them in new spray bottles each time.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Personal Care

Replace My Toothbrush

I will replace 2 plastic toothbrushes in my household with recycled plastic, wood or bamboo toothbrushes.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Pets

Buy Bulk Kitty Litter

I will purchase bulk cat litter where I can refill and keep using the same container.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Make Your Own

I will try a new recipe or food preparation method, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Pets

Choose All-Natural Pet Toys

I will give my pets toys made of natural materials like wool, hemp, or cotton, or make our own toys from repurposed items found in our home.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Stop Buying Water

I will stop buying water and instead use water from the tap or invest in a water filter if water quality is a concern.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community

Pick Up Plastic Litter

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of plastic litter each day and dispose of it responsibly.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Participant Feed

REFLECTION QUESTION
Community

How does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
Ayman Hassan 2/09/2026 4:49 PM
I feel more connected to the people in my neighborhood when I pick up trash because it's my job to keep my house safe. I value my neighborhood more because of it. I like picking up trash because it makes me feel responsible. Other people might be moved to help too. We all reside in the same location. By doing small things like this, you can help people respect each other, work together, and feel like they fit in the community.

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- Ana Zuniga 2/09/2026 6:33 PM
  I agree with you!! I believe that small actions, like picking up trash around my neighborhood, make a big difference. Doing this makes me feel responsible and helps me lead by example. When others see someone caring for the neighborhood, it may encourage them to help too. Keeping the area clean and safe can create a strong sense of pride in the community.
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Pets

In what ways is supplying your pet with all natural pet toys better for your pet, better for you, and better for the environment?
Ayman Hassan 2/08/2026 7:12 PM
In a lot of ways, giving your pet natural things is better. It is better for your pet because natural products usually don't have as many chemicals and are safer for them to chew on. Because you don't have to worry about your pet being introduced to harmful ingredients, it's better for you. Natural toys are also better for the earth because they break down more easily and make less trash. In general, they are better for you and the environment.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

What are the hardest scenarios for you to avoid using bottled water? How have you been able to avoid purchasing water in these situations?
Ayman Hassan 2/08/2026 7:11 PM
I find it hardest to stay away from bottled water when I'm traveling, at the gym, or when I forget my own bottle. When things are tough, bottled water can seem like the easy thing to do. Rather than buying it, I bring a bottle that I can fill up at home and use that instead. I use water fountains or empty spots at the gym and at work. When I plan ahead, I don't have to buy drinking water.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food

How do you feel about being more involved in the food preparation process? Joyful, overwhelmed, engaged, empowered? What are the benefits of choosing to process or produce your own food instead of buying it pre-processed?
Ayman Hassan 2/08/2026 7:06 PM
Merely helping to make food makes me happy and strong. Watching what I eat makes me feel more responsible. At times, it's hard, but it's also very rewarding. For health reasons, making your own food gives you more power over what goes into it. It can help you throw away less and save money. Your food's ingredients are also something you know for sure. Creating your own meals can assist you in developing better habits and picking more healthful options every day.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Pets

Has using bulk cat litter been a big transition for you or your cat? What tips would you have for other cat owners?
Ayman Hassan 2/06/2026 5:09 PM
With the help of bulk kitty litter, we were able to adjust to its use without any difficulty. First, I combined the new litter with the old litter so that my cat would be more accustomed to the new litter. The litter box was really effective for my cat, and it quickly became accustomed to using it. Watch how your cat reacts to the new environment, and if you have another cat, make the transition gradually. Buying in bulk results in a reduction in both the cost and the amount of waste produced.

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- Trevor Klinsing 2/06/2026 5:19 PM
  I'm going to have to try this out sometime with my cats
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Personal Care

What are the benefits of switching to bamboo, wood, or recycled-content toothbrushes? How could you get others to make this change, too?
Ayman Hassan 2/06/2026 5:01 PM
One way to help reduce packaging trash is to use bamboo, wood, or recycled-material toothbrushes instead of plastic ones. Tobacco tools made of plastic are rarely thrown away because they break down very slowly. Plastic and bamboo toys naturally break down, and reusing plastic toothbrushes reuses plastic instead of making more trash. Cleans teeth just fine. Share your own story, talk about how it helps the environment, or give away eco-friendly toothbrushes to help others. We can make big changes from little ones.

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- Susanna Lakely 2/06/2026 5:44 PM
  Hi Ayman,
  
  I’m thinking about trying the bamboo toothbrush challenge, which sounds interesting. This challenge shouldn’t be difficult for me because I already use wooden and bamboo spoons in the kitchen. I know from experience that this material is lightweight and long lasting.
  
  Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
At Home

Which household cleaners did you try making? Have you been able to simplify your cleaning routine?
Ayman Hassan 2/06/2026 4:30 PM
I tried making an all-purpose cleaner using vinegar, water, and a little dish soap. I also made a glass cleaner with vinegar and water. Yes, it helped simplify my routine because I now use just one or two cleaners instead of many different products, which saves time and money.

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Ayman Hassan 2/06/2026 4:19 PM
I love it am trying something new everyday

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