Hilary Loewenstein

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

I will spend 15 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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

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

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

When it's time to buy more, I will replace my beauty products with refillable, sustainable, and/or DIY options.

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

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

I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

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

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 spend at least 10 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 4 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable options.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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 15 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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 15 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

I will swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.