Kimberly Beskow

When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.

I will hang-dry my laundry to use the sun as a natural bleach alternative, or use another natural bleach alternative.

I will spend at least 60 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

I will spend 60 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 10 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

The numbers #1-7 on plastics tell us a lot - and can help us be better recyclers. I will learn what these numbers mean and which types of plastics are accepted for recycling in my area.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

Plastic production, not just disposal, pollutes communities and harms people. I will learn about the impacts of plastic production on humans, animals, communities, and the environment.

I will calculate my ecological footprint, and from the results brainstorm and take action on ways I can reduce my annual footprint.

I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

When available, I will purchase clothing and bedding made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.

I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.

I will use a microfiber catcher in my laundry, or install a microfiber filter for my washing machine.

I will use laundry detergent that is packaged in glass or aluminum, or an alternative like soap nuts.

I will switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.

I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.

I will talk to the owner or manager of a restaurant I frequent to request that they reduce their use of single-use and disposable plastics.

I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.

I will advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 60 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.

I will plant an herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.

I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).

If traveling, I will bring my own snacks and meals in my own containers to avoid the waste of take-out containers.

I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and containers in my family's lunches to reduce plastic waste.

I will try new recipe(s) or food preparation method(s) each day, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.

I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.