TerraScore Challenge | PLASTIC FREE JULY

How to compete in the Plastic Free July Challenge 

1. RSVP for the challenge using the link above 
2. Download the TerraScore app 
3. Follow the prompts to create your account 
4. Click the star symbol at the bottom of y our screen to view the challenge
5. Click the plus symbol to log your actions 

You can also explore the challenge leaderboard to see what others are doing! 

Learn more about Plastic Free July here.

Facts to Know about Plastic Pollution

1. Microplastics have been found in the animals we eat, within our blood stream and vital organs, in the water we drink and play in, and even the air we breathe. The consequences to our health are still understudied, but consumption of plastic particles is likely linked to cancer, infertility, and more. (ScienceDaily)​​ (NIH News in Health)​​ (Mongabay)
2. Globally, we produce 430 metric tons of plastic a year, with tens of millions coming from the US alone. In the US, only 5-6% of plastics are recycled each year.  (Harvard Medicine Magazine)
3. Plastics shed into smaller particles that cannot be broken down organically. Found in clothes, tires, and other daily-use products, these particles are accumulating in our environment at an unprecedented rate.  (UNEP - Microplastics) (UNEP - Plastic Planet) (Yale Sustainability)
4. Much like Big Tobacco knowingly produced carcinogenic products for decades before admitting the serious health risks they posed, plastic producers have recently been discovered doing the same. Documents from the 1990s reveal executives knew of the harms of their products, but continued to push these goods and set recycling targets they knew they wouldn't meet. (PBS) (Center for Climate Integrity)
5. Plastics are made from fossil fuels and are set to drive nearly half of oil demand growth by mid-century. (Nature) (The Conversation)

As summer heats up, microplastics and pollution do, too. Participating in Plastic Free July builds habits for a healthier planet and a healthier you. Here are some sustainable tips to consider:

1. Say no to single-use plastics. There are endless ways to say “no” to single-use plastics, here are a few ideas to get you started: try bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. Bring your cup to your favorite coffee shop. Choose to dine in a restaurant instead of getting food to go. Adopting reusable alternatives can collectively reduce millions of tons of plastic waste per year.
2. Shop at your local farmers market. Buying produce locally can be cost-effective and better for the environment. Many farmers refrain from using plastic containers to store their produce. Check out this link to find a farmers market near you!
3. DIY your cleaning products. Making your cleaning products not only reduces plastic pollution but also creates a toxic-free living environment for you and your family. Recipes for cleaning products can be found here.
4. Upgrade your hygiene routine. Switching to bars of soap for body wash, shampoo, and conditioner is just the beginning of removing plastic from your daily hygiene routine. Many farmers markets and bulk stores also offer bamboo toothbrushes and hairbrushes. Even makeup can be found in recyclable containers.
5. Pack your snacks. Traveling this summer? Skip the plastic-filled snack aisles and pack your snacks in reusable glass or silicon containers. Choosing to pack your snacks often means healthier foods for you and your family.

Plastic Free July may seem daunting, but using these tips can help you transition out of a plastic-filled life. Remember, reducing plastic waste isn’t just good for the planet, but good for our health.