Natalie Malouf

I will spend 5 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

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

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

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

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

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 5 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

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

I will spend 5 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me.

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

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

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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.

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.

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

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

I will pick up 20 piece(s) of litter each day.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 5 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

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

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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