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Amy Nelson's avatar

Amy Nelson

Three Rivers Park District Staff

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 410 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    12
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    40
    plastic straws
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    17
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    4.0
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    0.9
    pounds
    waste avoided
  • UP TO
    2.6
    pounds
    packaging waste avoided
  • UP TO
    58
    plastic bottles
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    80
    minutes
    spent learning

Amy's actions

At Home

Ditch the Disposable Cleaning Wipes

I will replace my disposable cleaning wipes with a reusable brush or cloth.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Plastics 101

Know the Numbers

The numbers #1-7 on plastics tell us a lot and can help us be better recyclers. I will learn more about what the symbols on plastics mean.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Kids

Provide Alternatives

I will provide daily plastic-free alternatives (straws, water bottles, cutlery, bar soap, bamboo toothbrushes, etc.) for my family to use.

COMPLETED 12
DAILY ACTIONS

Kids

Reuse School Supplies

I will reuse items for back to school or shop secondhand before buying new.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Skip Single-Use Plastic for Freezing Food

I will use reusable containers when freezing food and opt for glass or metal when purchasing new containers.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Buy Unpackaged Produce

I will avoid 3 plastic bags each shopping trip by not bagging my produce or using reusable produce bags.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

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 4
DAILY ACTIONS

On-the-go

Use Reusables at Work

I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Personal Care

Purchase Alternative Toothpaste

I will purchase toothpaste powder or toothpaste tabs in plastic-free packaging.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kids
    What single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) does your household use regularly, and what substitutes are you trying?

    Amy Nelson's avatar
    Amy Nelson 2/27/2025 6:27 AM
    • 20-DAY STREAK
    We use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. We never purchase cases of water. We also have reusable straws the kids enjoy using at home. I received reusable vegetable bags from my mom that I need to remember to bring with me next time I go grocery shopping. It would be nice to protect my veggies since right now I just throw them in the cart!

    • Wendy Ludwig's avatar
      Wendy Ludwig 2/28/2025 5:15 AM
      • 15-DAY STREAK
      Nice gift from mom :) I am curious as to what type is your reusable vegetable bag?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    At Home
    How have you modified your cleaning routine to make sure you aren't using disposable wipes? Are you satisfied with the results?

    Amy Nelson's avatar
    Amy Nelson 2/24/2025 9:36 AM
    • 20-DAY STREAK
    I make my own cleaners for sanitizing/cleaning surfaces and for cleaning glass and windows. I use cotton towels most of the time, instead of paper towels. I am mostly satisfied with my actions but feel there is always room for improvement.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Personal Care
    Currently, most of the packaging for toothpaste is plastic. What has been your experience using plastic-free toothpaste options? How can you advocate for more alternatives through your purchasing power and influence in community?

    Amy Nelson's avatar
    Amy Nelson 2/24/2025 8:31 AM
    • 20-DAY STREAK
    Plastic toothpaste container waste has been on my radar for a while now. I just purchased NOBS (NO Bad Stuff) toothpaste tablets. They come in a recyclable/reusable container. I'm excited to try them and hope they work well!

    • Amy Nelson's avatar
      Amy Nelson 2/26/2025 6:36 AM
      • 20-DAY STREAK
      Received the toothpaste tabs and used one for the first time this morning. Worked great! Squeaky clean, great taste, and nice foaming action! Two thumbs up! Only thing I'd do differently is purchase the higher quantity for the lower price.

    • Amy Nelson's avatar
      Amy Nelson 2/24/2025 9:39 AM
      • 20-DAY STREAK
      Will do!

    • Julie DURR's avatar
      Julie DURR 2/24/2025 9:12 AM
      • 28-DAY STREAK
      Let us know what you think of this item.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food
    How easy or difficult have you found this task? Is there a way you could rearrange your freezer to make this work better?

    Amy Nelson's avatar
    Amy Nelson 2/20/2025 6:58 AM
    • 20-DAY STREAK
    I have purchased many single serving glass containers to store leftovers in. I fill them up and pop them in the freezer for easy take-and-go lunches to bring to work. I have certain shelves I put them on, and they stack up nicely. Easy and convenient, and saves money by not having to eat out.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Kids
    How many items are you able to reuse year to year from your child's school supplies?

    Amy Nelson's avatar
    Amy Nelson 2/19/2025 11:49 AM
    • 20-DAY STREAK
    Unpopular opinion, but we have our kids reuse their backpacks from year to year, unless they are in really rough shape.

    • Amy Nelson's avatar
      Amy Nelson 2/20/2025 6:52 AM
      • 20-DAY STREAK
      Thanks, I think it's a great idea, too!
      I say "unpopular" only because I feel like everyone always wants the newest, shiniest, trendiest stuff. To me, it just doesn't make sense - it's a waste of money and reusable items.

    • H McCrillis 's avatar
      H McCrillis 2/20/2025 2:03 AM
      • 28-DAY STREAK
      Why is that unpopular? I think it’s a great idea!
  • 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?

    Amy Nelson's avatar
    Amy Nelson 2/19/2025 11:46 AM
    • 20-DAY STREAK
    I love making new food items, rather than purchasing them pre-made when I have the time. I made granola and the kids enjoyed it.