Ciara Martin

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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.

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

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

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 10 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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.

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

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

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

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

I will make my environmental actions visible by sharing about them on my social media networks and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge participant feed.

I will give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

I will spend 10 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 10 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

I will spend 10 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can, making sure to kindly let people know why I'm asking for alternative packaging.

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 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 10 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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

I will keep 3 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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.

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