ANGIE RAPOSO

I will spend at least 5 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 keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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

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

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

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

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 replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.

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

I will spend at least 5 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.

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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 5 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

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

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.

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 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!

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

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

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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).

I will replace 5 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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

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