Shelley Shrader

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.

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 make my environmental actions visible by posting to my social media networks.

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 20 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

I will make my own cleaning products at home.

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

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

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

If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me in a TSA-approved reusable quart-sized bag.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 60 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

I will plant a herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.