We’re building an action research team to tackle plastic pollution!
Coming soon … the next EveryWear Counts! Challenge
Did you know that most of the microplastic pollution in our local waterways is actually fiber from… our laundry???
We didn’t! Now that we do - we did something together!
For Plastic Free July 2021, through the first ever EveryWear Counts! action research course, we learned about our own habits, took action, and shared ideas on how we can reduce microfiber pollution in our local waterways.
We achieved our goal of identifying student interns who want to do a LOT more - we are excited to work with them to develop independent research and/or action projects.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed.
Enjoy this video celebrating our shared journey!
Enjoy this video sharing the reflections and recommendations for our communities, policy-makers, and businesses from our action researchers.
Stay tuned for the next version to be announced….
We measured a difference!
Thanks to more than 50 people and organizations who applied, contributed, and/or participated in the first ever EveryWear Counts! action research course.
Special congratulations to the 11 action researchers who completed the challenge.
Together, we learned that 9 out 10 the laundry items we generate each week were plastic!
Check out our celebration of the more than 50 individuals and organizations who contributed to our just-beginning success story!
Check out the reflections and recommendations for our communities, policy-makers, and businesses from our action researchers!
Got training.
Based on our beta testing we developed a 4-week challenge in which participants measured how much plastic laundry they produce and test action ideas.
We piloted the challenge as part of a 4-week action research course for selected high school students and teachers during Plastic Free July 2021.
We kicked off with more than 50 aspiring action researchers who will earn (8) community service hours or professional learning units for full participation.
We held our recognition ceremony on August 16!
Course Dates
TBD
Get Credit.
Students
Students earned community service hours for their participation. They submitted the forms relevant to their school districts to Audubon Naturalist Society for confirmation.
Teachers
Teachers received professional learning units for their participation, with certificates.
for contributing ideas through course discussions
for completing the challenge!
Special thanks to Roukyathou Mama Sambo, MCPS graduate and OMG Clean Headwaters program intern for your beta-testing and contributions to planning this summer course!
FAQ
What is the “Everywear Counts” challenge?
The Everywear Counts challenge is a fun remote competition that inspires participants to take actions together (virtually) that can save money, reduce water and energy use, and prevent microplastic pollution. During the 4-week competition starting in Plastic Free July, course participants will collect seven days of baseline data on plastic laundry generated, use the data to inform actions, share ideas, collect "after" data, and report results. Participants will have the option of presenting our findings to relevant district level decision-makers.
Action Research? Is it complicated?
The challenge is designed to be done without any special equipment or prior expertise. It is designed to align with the Chesapeake Bay Program’s guidance on the action project component of delivering Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences.
Who made this possible?
The Everywear Counts challenge is organized by Recycle Leaders in partnership with Audubon Naturalist Society and One Montgomery Green. It is modeled off of the “Make the Most of Food” (remote) Challenge for Earth Month 2021 that was developed based off the EPA’s Food too Good to Waste Toolkit and funded by the DC Office of State Superintendent of Education.
