Skip to main content
michael torres's avatar

michael torres

Environment & Energy Dept

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 365 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    19
    zero-waste meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    62
    pounds of CO2
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    6.0
    plastic containers
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    6.0
    pieces of plastic cutlery
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    1.0
    waste audit
    conducted
  • UP TO
    1.0
    plastic bottle
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    8.0
    disposable cups
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    16
    minutes
    spent learning

michael's actions

At Home

WASH COLD, LINE DRY

I will wash my clothing in cold water and hang it to dry to reduce the amount of microplastic shedding and to prolong the life of my garments.

COMPLETED 10
DAILY ACTIONS

On-the-go

Use A Reusable Mug or Cup

I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own collapsible cup.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Personal Care

Choose sustainable suds

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with solid bars or refillable options.

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

Kids

Pack Waste-Free Lunches

I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and reusable containers in my children's lunches to reduce plastic waste.

COMPLETED 6
DAILY ACTIONS

Plastics 101

Complete a waste audit

I will spend 1 minutes conducting a waste audit- including recyclables and compost- to understand how much plastic waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Plastics 101

Stop "wishcycling"

Contamination makes the recycling process more difficult. I will review which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my county and recycle only those items. 

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food

Cook Meals with Zero Plastic Waste

I will prepare 1 meal(s) at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.

COMPLETED 19
DAILY ACTIONS

At Home

Plan a Garden

I will plan an herb or vegetable garden for next year at my home, workplace, or community garden.

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
    Food
    Do an inventory of your kitchen to see how many single-use plastics you've used in the past. What are some low-waste or reusable alternatives to these commonly used products? What would your impact be if you switched all the single-use products from your inventory to reusable? Are there any items where it would be difficult to avoid plastic waste?

    michael torres's avatar
    michael torres 2/07/2025 8:39 AM
    Fruits and vegetables often come prepackaged in plastic bags, bins, tough for softer fruit to be purchased as the packaging protects the fruit in transit. Buying less has been a strategy.
  • 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?

    michael torres's avatar
    michael torres 2/03/2025 9:30 AM
    In a 200F sauna when you forgot a water bottle. Used the good ole cupped hand method.