Mindful Mini Challenge: Refill, Don’t Landfill

  • Location
    Bloomingdale, Illinois
  • Status
    Active
  • Age Level
    Any Age
  • Group Type
    Community-Based Program
  • Project created by Amy

The Problem

Most kids already use reusable water bottles at school — but many adults still buy single-use plastic ones out of habit or convenience. Every plastic bottle we skip helps the planet, yet billions are still used once and tossed every year. 🌿The problem we want to fix is plastic overuse caused by convenience. Parents, workplaces, and busy families often forget that the simplest way to make a difference is already sitting in the kitchen cabinet: the reusable bottle. By helping kids lead this conversation at home, we’re teaching the next generation that real change starts with small reminders and brave voices.

Our Plan

For one month, kids will become Refill Ambassadors — encouraging parents and caregivers to stop buying disposable plastic water bottles. Each participant will: 🌿Use a reusable bottle every day — and remind their grown-ups to do the same. 🌿Keep track of how many times they help replace or skip a single-use bottle. 🌿Make signs or notes to place near sinks or fridges as gentle reminders to “Refill, Don’t Landfill.” 🌿Share photos, drawings, or stories showing how they helped their family change a habit. 🌿Optional add-ons: 🌿Collect empty plastic bottles from home or nature walks and recycle them together. 🌿Create a family “refill station” at home with reusable bottles, filters, and encouragement. 🌿This isn’t about guilt — it’s about leadership. One refill at a time, kids can teach adults how small changes ripple outward. 🌿Why It Matters Because grown-ups sometimes need kids to remind them what caring looks like. Because skipping plastic isn’t just good for the planet — it teaches mindfulness, responsibility, and teamwork. Because when kids lead, everyone listens.

Themes Addressed

  • term icon
    Clean Water
  • term icon
    Mindfulness
  • term icon
    Recycle
  • term icon
    Zero Waste

The Benefit

  • term icon
    Environment
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