Stephanie Steppie Royes

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

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

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

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 30 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 spend 30 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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 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.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 30 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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 30 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 30 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 pick up 20 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 30 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.

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 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 use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 10 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

If possible, I will avoid sending 10 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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

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

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.

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.