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Impact of Plastic Free February

3/2/2021

 
Read Time: 3 mins

The goal of “Plastic Free February” was simple … raise awareness of our excessive plastic use. 
​We often hear stories where plastic use has created major environmental issues around the world. Guess what? These issues are also present in each of our own backyards. Here is the good, the bad, and the impact of #PlasticFreeFeb.
Catawba Riverkeeper - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
This past month’s Human Powered Movement challenge was a bit different than others. It was less focused on physical accomplishments but in many ways, it was more eye opening. Turns out, the same was true for many others.
Brian Mister - Black Canyon Arizona - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Active ultramarathon recovery
Recover Brands 100% Recycled Apparel - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Recover Brands walks the walk
Kelly Fillnow and Steven Petrea - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Great idea
The first part of the Plastic Free February challenge was to commit to going single-use plastic free for the month. I’m not naïve to think that this would be an easy challenge or a commitment that people would wholly abide by for 28 days. Even as the megaphone wielding ringleader, it was difficult to fully remove single-use plastics from my life. 
Olivia Smallwood - Hi Bar - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Lots of eco conscious products out there
Olivia Smallwood - Pelacase - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
We can let our dollars do the talking
Again, the goal was to raise awareness. The reality is, our throw away culture is unfortunately second nature. We opt for short term convenience over long term impact. We’ve simply become accustomed to plastics for its “now” properties and fail to forget about it's "forever" impact. I know I’m not the only one that has been deeply impacted by now having greater awareness of my decisions.
The second part of the challenge incentivized participants (via 100% recycled gear from Recover Brands and reusable coffee mugs from Summit Coffee) to clean up the streets, trails, waterways, slopes, beaches and climbing crags that we use and enjoy every day. 
Neighborhood Plogging - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Neighborhood findings
This also increased awareness to what we typically blow past on a daily basis. Quite frankly, it is absurd how much trash is strewn along our roadways, and throughout our environment. I hate to admit it, but there were many days that I was distracted while driving because I was making mental note of my next roadside cleanup.
Alright, that’s the doom and gloom. Let’s turn this trash barge around and point it in the positive direction. 
Greg Nance - Streamline Adventures - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
My buddy Greg, steering his literal trash barge
I developed this challenge thinking that I might be able to encourage a small change in a small number of people. I was wrong. This challenge has triggered a much bigger impact for many more people than expected. 
Through this challenge alone, more than 50 people cleaned up trash across over 20 different cities throughout the US. We collectively scooped up 7500+ pieces of trash totaling over 1500lbs and drove over 50,000 impressions across social media about our efforts.
Again, these quantitative stats alone are not world changing. Let’s be clear. We have an endless grind ahead of us. 
Coburn Powell - Lake Waccamaw cleanup - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Lake Waccamaw cleanup
Catawba Riverkeeper - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Volunteering with the Catawba Riverkeeper
Family Cleanup in the Neighborhood - Human Powered Movement - Plastic Free February
Family neighborhood cleanup
But the qualitative impact of this challenge is clear. We accomplished our goal of raising awareness. We provoked lasting behavioral change. We influenced countless others that have witnessed us taking action. We will continue these efforts well beyond February 28.

You can to do your part by basing decisions on environmental impact and not convenience. Encouraging others to do the same. Volunteering with your local environmental non-profit. Supporting brands that maintain eco conscious values. The list goes on, just keep the momentum.
Speaking of momentum, on top of Human Powered Movement's 1% for the Planet membership, keep an eye out for new “Adopt a Highway” and new “Adopt a Stream” signs to pop up in the Charlotte area. I’ve made multi-year commitments to both and will continue to sharpen my trash pickup skills. 
Regardless of the month, OUR environment needs us to be continent of our place in this world.
Picture

Journal - Impact of Plastic Free February

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    Human Powered Journal

    Writings and musings of an active lifestyle

    Author
    Adam Bratton is the Founder and Head Enabler at Human Powered Movement.

    Guest Contributors are more compelling in written word and life in general.


    Categories

    All
    Adventure Club
    Art
    Beer
    Bike
    Camp
    Challenge
    Climb
    Coffee
    Environment
    Event
    Guest Contributor
    Hike
    Kids
    Paddle
    Run
    Ski
    Surf
    Swim
    Travel
    Yoga

  • Events
    • Competitions >
      • Perennial (Run)
      • South Fork Sampler (Adv Race)
      • MOVE (Run)
      • MOVE (Ride)
      • Psychoactive (Run)
    • Virtual Challenges >
      • Just Tri It (Virtual Triathlon - July 2025)
  • Journal
  • Adventure Club
    • Adv Club: Arizona Trail Thru Hike
    • Adv Club: Sedona Canyons 125
    • Adv Club: Desert Gravel 100
    • Adv Club: Meck Mile
    • Adv Club: Incan Empire Hike and Bike
    • Adv Club: Spring Break Gone Wild
  • Membership
  • Store
  • Art
    • Gear Graphics
    • Good Vibes Rock
    • Kids Coloring Sheets
  • Connect