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Take the Plastic Free Eco-Challenge with Potter Park Zoo! 

Posted on by Kaiti Chritz
Take the Plastic Free Eco-Challenge with Potter Park Zoo! 
Could you commit to one of the following for one month?
  • Use reusable utensils
  • Bring your own take out containers
  • Make your own cleaning products at home
Join the Potter Park Zoo team and other communities in the Plastic Free EcoChallenge. Visit https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/  to learn how you can participate in making a difference and try using these reusable options in your everyday life below:

​10 Sustainable Alternatives to Everyday Products You Can Start Using Now

1. Shampoo/Conditioner Bars

Shampoo and conditioner bars are a great plastic free option for your hair. These bars were created to help keep tons of plastic bottles out of landfills. Many are said to be the equivalent of two or three 8 fl oz bottles of shampoo and typically last about 80 washes.
2. Reusable Straws

Refusing single-use plastic straws has been gaining popularity recently. However, sometimes it can be difficult when getting a frozen or drive thru drink. One way to help ensure you can always refuse single-use straws is to carry a pack of reusable ones with you or in your car.

There are many different material options for reusable straws. Click on the link for a starter pack featuring metal, silicone, glass and polished bamboo straws.
3. Cora Ball

Cora balls are laundry balls which catch microfibers shedding of clothes in the washers. Every time you do laundry, your clothes shed off tiny microfibers (including plastic) which travel from your washing machine drain into our waterways. Help keep these fibers out of our oceans and lakes by trying the Cora Ball.
Help keep plastic toothbrushes out of our oceans and landfills with bamboo toothbrushes. Bamboo is a sustainable option and can be biodegraded once the BPA free nylon bristles are removed.
5. 4Ocean Bracelets

Each 4Ocean Bracelet purchase removes one pound of trash from the ocean or coastline. According to their website, the company has already removed 5,339,721 pounds of trash in less than 2 years. The bracelets are made from post-consumer recycled materials.
To help remove a pound of trash from the ocean click the link and order your bracelet.
6. Reusable Sandwich Bags

Stop throwing away plastic sandwich bags every week and switch to the reusable option. It’s estimated that 5 reusable bags can save more than 500 disposable bags from entering landfills.
Check out the link for 5 reusable bags which are leak proof, food and freezer safe, and 100% recyclable.
7. Silicone Stretch Lids

Stop using plastic wrap to cover food and try these reusable silicone stretch lids. They are durable and expand to fit containers of different sizes and shapes.

8. Last Swab

LastSwab is a reusable alternative to the traditional cotton swab. Every day over 1.5 billion cotton swabs are produced. Help keep these from ending up in our oceans or landfills by preordering your LastSwab today.
9. Reusable Cotton Pads

Try these reusable pads to remove your makeup or clean your face. These 16 reusable pads are equivalent to 2000 disposable cotton pads.

Check out these ballpoint pens made from recycled plastic bottles. They are available in multiple colors and are compatible with Dr. Grip ink refills.