Cruz Ortiz

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 recycle used contact lenses and 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 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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 paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.

I will spend 15 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

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

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.

I will spend at least 10 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 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 host or participate in a beach, highway, river, or other cleanup effort in my community.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 15 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.