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One of the challenge requirements is to attend four workshops. If you didn’t attend four, contact your liaison for instructions on how to get credit for watching the recordings. The recordings are linked from the participant web page.
Final waste measurement May 2 to 15
We will be measuring waste one last time to see the impact of the changes you made. Plan to measure your waste for two weeks, from May 2 to 15. Make sure to weigh, take pictures, or journal for those two whole weeks.
Final celebration May 22
We will be hosting a final celebration for the challenge on Saturday, May 22nd from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tune in for a presentation from a past Zero Waste Challenge participant, see what other households achieved, share your own success story, and compete at zero waste trivia! All members of your household are invited. Learn more on the Facebook event or by contacting your liaison.
Share your story in advance
We’re asking households to submit a photo or video of a favorite or most successful waste reduction practice from the challenge. We'll present these at the final celebration. Email your photo with a short description to your staff liaison.
Many people, especially those with children, plan ahead and pack whatever items they think they might need to get them through the day. This could include things like a water bottle, snacks, bug spray, extra clothes, or an umbrella.
Whether to get through an unexpected change of plans or to simply avoid the wrath of “hangry” children (or partners), this preparedness habit can also help reduce waste. One simple way you can prepare to prevent waste is to put together a “to-go” or takeout bag.
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The contents of a zero-waste to-go kit
A “to-go” bag is an easy-to-grab kit of reusable items for when you eat outside of your home. You can keep a small bag stashed in your car or inside a cupboard for any events with food, like a picnic, picking up a meal from a restaurant, or taking a day trip with family.
By spending a few minutes assembling this kit, you can quickly avoid single-use items. Remember that even if you recycle or compost disposable items, the goal of this challenge is to reduce the amount of waste you produce in the first place.
Examples of items to include:
- A bag to store the contents
- Cloth napkins
- Utensils - any kind will do!
- Drink containers - a cup, bottle, thermos, jar, etc.
- Reusable straws
- Lightweight plates or bowls
- Reusable storage containers - to transport leftovers or scraps for composting
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Assemble your own kit
You probably have more than enough materials on hand to use, so don’t go out and buy new. If you do have to get something, check out a thrift store or ask family or friends first.
Start with the daily essentials: a reusable mug, cup, or jar for hot and cold liquids, a reusable fork or spoon, and a small container for each family member. Then add more for what fits your lifestyle. When you’re out, remember to refuse straws or bring your own reusable straw if you prefer. Make changes based on what you know you'll need (or won't need) and consider packing extra for friends.
Don’t get dejected if you pack up your bag and forget it at home or in the car a few times; it’s a process to add a new habit. Keep trying!
Take this zero waste challenge to the next level and prevent waste both and home and on the go! See page 21 of the Zero Waste Guide for more information on replacing disposable items with reusables.
Create a team for the online Zero Waste Challenge and encourage others to join you
You’ve done the hard work with this personalized challenge, and now you have the opportunity to join our short, online version of the Zero Waste Challenge. If you've enjoyed sharing your zero-waste journey with others, this is a chance to get them engaged by creating a team and encouraging your friends, family, and acquaintances to make changes!
The online Zero Waste Challenge runs May 1 to 31. Sign up for the challenge at hennepinzwc.ecochallenge.org, or if you have participated in past challenges, log in and join the 2021 challenge.
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Start a team
Be a zero-waste leader by starting a team and encouraging others to join you. This could be family and friends or people from your city, neighborhood, organization, community group, or school.
See the information in the resources section for tips on starting a team (PDF) and promoting the challenge (DOCX) to others.
Engage and guide your team
Engage your teammates to help them make the most of the challenge! Some things you can consider doing include holding a virtual kick-off event, setting goals for your group, sending out reminders, or answering individuals’ questions. You can also share your personal stories and successes.
Encourage people to get started with weekly Focus Areas
Team captains provide support, but you don’t have to educate and guide on your own. We will be sending regular email updates with tips and resources.
Each week of the challenge we'll be highlighting a different Focus Area in our emails to help participants who may feel overwhelmed by all the actions and categories. Each Focus Area will include five actions to help people get started on that topic and connect them to additional related resources.
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