How the Challenge Works
How the Challenge Works
Do your best to avoid creating plastic waste for 5 days and collect any waste you do create to review at the end of the challenge.
Do your best to avoid creating plastic waste for 5 days and collect any waste you do create to review at the end of the challenge.
What counts as waste?
Any new thing you acquire during the week, including wrappers, bags, containers.
Exceptions
Waste from your work and waste associated with medical needs don’t count. Keep yourself healthy and continue taking any medication you need to feel your best, without worrying about the trash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know.
Why do you ask that I collect my plastic?
At the end of the week you’ll be able to see very clearly what kinds of waste you personally tend to create. Awareness is half the battle! After your trash audit this week, you’ll be fully equipped to reduce the waste you generate moving forward.
Why do you ask that I collect my plastic?
At the end of the week you’ll be able to see very clearly what kinds of waste you personally tend to create. Awareness is half the battle! After your trash audit this week, you’ll be fully equipped to reduce the waste you generate moving forward.
Why do you ask that I collect my plastic?
At the end of the week you’ll be able to see very clearly what kinds of waste you personally tend to create. Awareness is half the battle! After your trash audit this week, you’ll be fully equipped to reduce the waste you generate moving forward.
Why does recycling count as waste?
Our focus with this challenge on the “upstream”–everything that happens before stuff gets to you. And, unfortunately, most plastic in the U.S. doesn't get effectively recycled so your best bet it to reduce it whenever possible.
Why does recycling count as waste?
Our focus with this challenge on the “upstream”–everything that happens before stuff gets to you. And, unfortunately, most plastic in the U.S. doesn't get effectively recycled so your best bet it to reduce it whenever possible.
Why does recycling count as waste?
Our focus with this challenge on the “upstream”–everything that happens before stuff gets to you. And, unfortunately, most plastic in the U.S. doesn't get effectively recycled so your best bet it to reduce it whenever possible.
What about stuff I bought before the challenge?
We generally say to use up perishable food and keep any associated waste. Anything you already have that won’t go bad, see if you can go without!
What about stuff I bought before the challenge?
We generally say to use up perishable food and keep any associated waste. Anything you already have that won’t go bad, see if you can go without!
What about stuff I bought before the challenge?
We generally say to use up perishable food and keep any associated waste. Anything you already have that won’t go bad, see if you can go without!
What about my pet?
While pet waste is important to consider, you don’t need to keep your pet-related waste for this week. But take this opportunity to start thinking about ways you could work towards having a zero waste pet!
What about my pet?
While pet waste is important to consider, you don’t need to keep your pet-related waste for this week. But take this opportunity to start thinking about ways you could work towards having a zero waste pet!
What about my pet?
While pet waste is important to consider, you don’t need to keep your pet-related waste for this week. But take this opportunity to start thinking about ways you could work towards having a zero waste pet!
What if I can't do it?
Eliminating plastic waste is going to be a little hard, because most of our systems are built for disposability! But not to worry: there is no “failing”. Even if all you do is collect a week’s worth of trash and recycling, you’ll have learned a lot and you’ll have tools to make more sustainable choices going forward.
What if I can't do it?
Eliminating plastic waste is going to be a little hard, because most of our systems are built for disposability! But not to worry: there is no “failing”. Even if all you do is collect a week’s worth of trash and recycling, you’ll have learned a lot and you’ll have tools to make more sustainable choices going forward.
What if I can't do it?
Eliminating plastic waste is going to be a little hard, because most of our systems are built for disposability! But not to worry: there is no “failing”. Even if all you do is collect a week’s worth of trash and recycling, you’ll have learned a lot and you’ll have tools to make more sustainable choices going forward.
What about trash from my job?
Any waste you produce as part of your job doesn’t count for the purposes of this challenge.
What about trash from my job?
Any waste you produce as part of your job doesn’t count for the purposes of this challenge.
What about trash from my job?
Any waste you produce as part of your job doesn’t count for the purposes of this challenge.
How can I prepare?
Prep your plastic-free to-go kit. Having these items with you throughout the challenge will help you avoid plastic in most situations:
Reusable water bottle and travel mug (get one for free at the swap today!)
Utensils (you don’t need a special set, just grab some from your kitchen)
Shopping bag
Bulk snacks or fruit (to replace individually wrapped snacks)
How can I prepare?
Prep your plastic-free to-go kit. Having these items with you throughout the challenge will help you avoid plastic in most situations:
Reusable water bottle and travel mug (get one for free at the swap today!)
Utensils (you don’t need a special set, just grab some from your kitchen)
Shopping bag
Bulk snacks or fruit (to replace individually wrapped snacks)
How can I prepare?
Prep your plastic-free to-go kit. Having these items with you throughout the challenge will help you avoid plastic in most situations:
Reusable water bottle and travel mug (get one for free at the swap today!)
Utensils (you don’t need a special set, just grab some from your kitchen)
Shopping bag
Bulk snacks or fruit (to replace individually wrapped snacks)
Don't see what you're looking for?
Don't see what you're looking for?
Reach out to us directly and we'll get back to you.
Reach out to us directly and we'll get back to you.
Made Possible by Our Friends At:
Made Possible by Our Friends At:
Made Possible by Our Friends At:
The most environmentally friendly product is the one that never gets made.
© 2025 Live Zero Waste Inc.
The most environmentally friendly product is the one that never gets made.
© 2025 Live Zero Waste Inc.
The most environmentally friendly product is the one that never gets made.
© 2025 Live Zero Waste Inc.