AJ Weisbrod

Starbucks Partners

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
593 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

23

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

330

gallons of water

have been saved
UP TO

45

minutes

spent learning

AJ's actions

Buildings

Install A Toilet Tank Bank

Low-Flow Fixtures

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water a day or 330 gallons (1,230 L) a month by installing a toilet tank bank.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Plastics Audit

Reduced Plastics

I will complete a plastics audit to see where plastics show up in my life and determine how I can reduce the use of single-use plastics.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Land Sinks

Buy Bamboo

Bamboo Production

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Reduce Animal Products

Plant-Rich Diets

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meals each day of the challenge.

COMPLETED 16
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Education

Learn about the Need for Family Planning

Family Planning and Education

I will spend at least 45 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

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?

AJ Weisbrod 10/30/2023 6:37 AM
Sorted some of my plastic waste this weekend. I recently started volunteering at a local reuse and recycle center in my area and was inspired by the possibility of living zero-waste. While this will take a lot of behavior change and getting used to, it is exciting to see that it is even a possibility in my area. Spent about half an hour this weekend sorting milk jugs, chip bags, dental care items, twisty-ties, and other packaging so I will be able to take it down next time I volunteer.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Health and Education

What did you learn about the need for family planning? How do the needs of different people in different places compare to each other?
AJ Weisbrod 10/23/2023 7:01 AM
In my home state of Ohio, a constitutional amendment is on the ballot this November that would ensure the same protections for a woman's right of choice to how it was before Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Federal Courts last year. Without harping on political sentiment, I decided to look up the proposed bill and read it in its entirety thanks to ballotpedia. This allows one to feel fully informed before heading to the polls to exercise their civic duty and allows one to understand the importance of family planning at the state level.

Read More
- Jeanne Poirier 10/23/2023 4:50 PM
  Many eyes and hopes are on this one in Ohio. Thanks AJ for sharing.
  
  Read More
AJ Weisbrod 10/16/2023 8:06 AM
To achieve my One-time action for the challenge, I purchased a new toilet for the bathroom I am renovating in my new house. The toilet is designed for low-flush and offers a unique flushing system with two buttons atop the tank; one for number ones and another for number twos (LOL..didn't imagine I'd be talking out this). This model was about $80 more expensive than a standard toilet and I imagine the ROI will be reached in no time due to the water savings.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Buildings

How can your region/household prepare for changing water situations in order to become more resilient?
AJ Weisbrod 10/12/2023 10:51 AM
The down-spouts on my property are equipped with rain collection barrels. I use stored water to use in my garden, rinse dirty boots, and have even used to drink (after rigorous filtration). Upon reflection, I plan to welcome my neighbors to dip into the stored water supply on my property.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Why do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our bodies, our planet, and other people?
AJ Weisbrod 10/12/2023 10:46 AM
Eating more meat significantly increases one's carbon footprint due to the destructive, bottom-line-focused nature of modern farming and ranching. While I strive to eat a plant-focused diet for overall personal health, I recognize the necessity of high-protein items in one's diet such as meat. When I opt to eat meat, I try to purchase locally raised poultry as the environmental effects are often much less than when purchasing products like beef. One day, I would like to raise my own poultry to feed myself and family.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks

Are bamboo alternatives readily available in your community? If not, what are other sustainable alternatives?
AJ Weisbrod 10/10/2023 9:44 AM
I was able to purchase a bamboo fabric t-shirt from a small, independent vendor at my rock climbing gym! Super comfortable, stretchy, anti-fungal/bacterial. However, pricey ($30). The fabric wicks sweat similar to athletic fabric, but its all natural. Great find!

Read More
AJ Weisbrod 10/10/2023 9:41 AM
I created my daily plastics audit. One more product I identify has hard to replace is milk. The vast majority of dairy is sold in plastic jugs, which are recyclable. However, some dairy is sold in paper cartons with lining, which are harder to recycle.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry

What was the hardest item to reduce using or cut out that is plastic? Did you find a way to do it?
AJ Weisbrod 10/06/2023 9:11 AM
Produce packaging (strawberries specifically). Planning to go to Farmer's Market this weekend to see what unpackaged fruits are available.

Read More