Skip the Single-Use!

Small Actions.
Big Change.

Task

Cut down unnecessary disposable packaging by making at least FIVE practical switches across THREE or more days in one five-day period.

Requirements

  • Choose one or more actions: carry an existing reusable bag instead of accepting a disposable bag; refill a reusable bottle instead of buying a disposable bottle; use an existing food container or reusable cup; or decline unnecessary plastic cutlery, straws or extra packaging.

  • Across any five-day period, record at least FIVE completed switches on at least THREE different dates. Count each occasion when you actually avoided an otherwise likely disposable item.

  • Record the date, what disposable item you avoided, what you used or did instead, and the number avoided. Example: “15 Oct – used my shopping bag instead of one plastic bag – 1 switch.”

  • Submit ONE image with a written description (such as a photograph of your reusable items with your completed tally sheet) OR ONE video with a written description. List all FIVE switches and at least THREE dates, including the disposable items avoided, in the written description. Text-only challenge entries are not accepted.

  • Tell us which switch would be easiest for you to keep doing. Avoid buying new items solely to complete the challenge.

What you need

  • Existing bag, bottle, cup or container, if available

  • Notes app or paper for your daily tally

  • A phone or camera to capture one image or video, plus a written description

What we can measure

At least FIVE counted switches; spread across at least THREE different days; types of disposables avoided.

Deadline

Complete and submit your challenge entry in Eco-Submissions between October 12 and December 12, 2026.

Rewards

Earn 50 Install & Learn campaign points for an approved entry.  You can earn 10 points per correct answer in the Eco-Learn article "The Plastic Habit: Small Choices, Less Waste" Green Genius Trivia and 25 extra points each for qualifying participation in Bee-Creative, Sort At Source, Composting and DSWMC Sort it At the Source. These are campaign points, not redeemable Eco-Points.