Family + Pets

Be the example for your family when making plastic-free choices.

Got kids and pets running around the house? It can often seem nearly impossible to reduce waste when there are littles and fur babies involved, but with these simple actions your whole family can embark on the journey together. Get your kids involved and reduce your eco-impact together.

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Embrace Imperfection

Eliminating 100% of all plastic from our lives simply isn't possible. Throughout this month, I will embrace imperfection in my plastic-free journey while exploring and testing new ways to reduce my plastic footprint.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Embracing Imperfection

Opinion: I wish I didn't care about sustainability.

Imperfect sustainability

POV: All the unsustainable things I've done in the last week.
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DAILY ACTION
Use What You Have

The only thing worse than a single-use item is a zero-use item! I will use (and use up) what I already have in my home before buying something new.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

The #1 way to go zero waste

The ultimate step-by-step guide to going zero waste

What do you do with your plastic when you go zero waste?
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DAILY ACTION
Mend and Repair

We've all got it - that thing in the back of our closet we keep saying we'll fix "one day." I will make today that day by learning how to mend or repair ripped or broken items in my home - or by finding a local offering to do it for me.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

These SF volunteers promise to fix basically anything, for free

Volunteers in a California "fix it clinic" help neighbors salvage broken electronics

How to darn a sock by hand

How to fix every zipper issue
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Thrifty Pets

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Find Great Used Dog Items

How Safe Are Secondhand Used Pet Supplies?
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Homemade Pet Food

I will prepare my own pet food and/or treats to avoid plastic packaging.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Vet-Approved Homemade Cat Food Recipes

Homemade Zero Waste Dog Treats

Vet-Approved Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
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DAILY ACTION
Invest in a Pooper-Scooper

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

5 Reasons to Scoop Dog Poop

Compostable dog poop bags aren't really that compostable

5 ways to dispose of dog waste
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ONE-TIME ACTION
DIY Cat Litter

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Guide to Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

How to Dispose of Cat Litter
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Sustainable Suds: Pet Edition

I will replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Easy Homemade Dog Shampoo

5 All Natural DIY Dog Shampoo Recipes

Refillable Dog Shampoo

Dog Shampoo Bar
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Use Cloth Diapers

I will replace single use diapers with reusable cloth diapers.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Cloth Diapering 101

Everything I Wish I Knew Before Cloth Diapering

Cloth Diaper Routine Start to Finish

15 Real Benefits of Cloth Diapering
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Use Reusable Baby Wipes

I will make better choices for the environment and my baby's bum by using reusable baby wipes most or all of the time.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

All about cloth wipes and how to make cloth wipe solution

Zero Waste Baby Registry

Cloth Wipes 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Thoughtful Toys

I will only buy cloth, wooden or plant-based natural rubber toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!
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ACTION RESOURCES:

My kids want plastic toys. I want to go green. Here's the middle ground.

Plastic Free Christmas

The Best Eco-Friendly Toys for Kids
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Discover Together

I will spend (___) minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Talk to Your Kids about Plastic Pollution

Plastic Free 4 Kids Video Series

The Story of Plastic (Animated Short)

Early childhood activities for Plastic Free July
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Balloons Blow

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend (___) learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Why The Balloon Release Tradition is Terrible for the Environment

Why Balloons and Ocean Plastic Are Bad for Sea Turtles

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Balloons

Cotton Reusable Water "Balloons"
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Get Rid of Glitter

I will teach my little ones about microplastics while we do a craft project together using glitter alternatives.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

All You Need to Know About Biodegradable Glitter

It's Time to Stop Using Glitter

Biodegradable Glitter: Sustainable Sparkle or Just Glimmering Greenwashing?

Alternatives to Glitter
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ONE-TIME ACTION
All Natural Pet Toys

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!
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ACTION RESOURCES:

7 Eco-Friendly Dog Toys

11 Eco-Friendly Cat Toys

The Ultimate Guide to Zero Waste Pets
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Rubber Glove Pet Hair Removal

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Rubber Gloves for Pet Hair
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DAILY ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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