Pamela Spyrs

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 20 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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.

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.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 4 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 15 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 conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

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.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 30 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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

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

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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