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Charles Schaller 2/12/2026 1:26 PM
Mark Windels
"Reducing my carbon footprint."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 976 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO17pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO32plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO3.2poundspackaging waste avoided
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UP TO2.7poundswaste recycled
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UP TO32advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO130minutesspent learning
Mark's actions
Plastics 101
Put compostable plastics in the right place
I will make sure any BPI-certified compostable plastic products I use will be disposed of correctly by putting them in my curbside compost/food scraps bin or taking them to a drop-off location and not placing them in the regular recycling.
On-the-go
Visit a packaging-free store
I will visit a co-op or zero waste store to check out my local options for bulk products and plastic-free items.
Food
Ditch the plastic baggies or wrap
I will ditch zippered plastic bags and/or plastic wrap and switch to reusable containers or wrap for food storage.
Plastics 101
Estimate Your Plastic Footprint
I will complete a plastic consumption calculator to learn about my plastic footprint.
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.
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.
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.
Plastics 101
Recycle Plastic Caps
I will recycle 1 plastic caps per day by placing them back on the plastic bottles before placing them in my recycling bin.
On-the-go
Say no to Styrofoam
Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can.
At Home
Choose Natural Clothing Fibers
I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, acrylic or spandex. Try prioritizing buying used clothing before buying new.
Participant Feed
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Mark Windels 2/27/2026 9:15 AMOnly 2 days left of this plastic free challenge. How many of you will continue with your new habits on reducing single use of plastics? Not cynical just an honest question.-
Katherine Boyce 2/27/2026 10:00 AMThis was my third year participating, and this year was a nice reminder of how many habits from past challenges I've completely integrated into my life now!
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Mark Windels 2/26/2026 11:06 AMJust 2.5 days left of this Plastic-Free journey. We can all still pull together as a team for a strong finish! -
Mark Windels 2/23/2026 4:36 AMHere it is! The homestretch of the Plastic-free challenge. Now it's time to hunker down and make that final effort!-
Roberto Avila 2/24/2026 3:19 AM
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Mark Windels 2/22/2026 12:23 PMToday is the last day of the 2026 Winte Olympics. Will Norway make the sweep? -
Mark Windels 2/22/2026 12:21 PMLast day of the winter Olympics! -
Mark Windels 2/20/2026 4:33 AMDon't plan too much and you will still feel recharged for the next week's beginning. Enjoy the weekend everyone. -
Mark Windels 2/16/2026 7:48 AMWow! I am really making a difference during this challenge!-
Julie DURR 2/24/2026 9:19 AM
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REFLECTION QUESTIONOn-the-goWhy do you think Styrofoam is still so common despite what we know about its health effects? How do you think we can collectively move away from using it?
Mark Windels 2/10/2026 4:24 AMWe can use shredded recycled cardboard as a first attempt. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFoodHow 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?
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REFLECTION QUESTIONAt HomeWhat are the benefits (to people, animals, and the environment) of purchasing clothes made with natural fibers?