UIC Waste-less Challenge

How much plastic can you live without? Join the UIC Waste-Less Challenge and reduce your plastic waste for the month of July. Post a picture of yourself using your alternative to single-use plastic and #wastelessUIC for a chance to WIN Prizes!

Weekly Themes

“Rethink Your Drink”

Eliminate: 

• Single-use plastic water bottles
• Single-use hot and cold to-go cups, including Styrofoam
• Plastic straws

Replace with:

• Reusable water bottle
• Travel coffee mug or beverage tumbler
• Reusable straws or no straw

 

“Secure the Bag”

Eliminate:

• Plastic grocery / convenience store / takeout bags
• Plastic and styrofoam takeout containers
• Ziplock bags

Replace with:

• Reusable grocery bags 
• Reusable containers
• Ask if restaurants can pack leftovers in a reusable container that you have 
• Lunch bags

 

“Refuse Packaged Produce”

Eliminate:

• Single-use produce bags
• Plastic wrapped or boxed produce
• Condiment packs

Replace with:

• Biodegradable bags
• Reusable bags
• Nothing! (Many fruits and vegetables come with a built-in a layer of protection)

 

“Bring it Home”

Eliminate:

• Plastic utensils
• Disposable and individually packaged hygiene items
• Cleaning supplies in plastic bottles

 

Replace With:

• Reusable silverware, or silverware from home preferably
• Built-to-last products
• Reusable bottles with refillable or homemade cleaning supplies

This July, make the decision to stop, reduce, and substitute your plastic usage.