Crystal Bell

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.

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.

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

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

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.

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

I will calculate my ecological footprint, and from the results brainstorm and take action on ways I can reduce my annual footprint.

I will donate 2 zero waste period kits to young people with periods so that they can reduce their waste and the financial burden of menstruation while continuing their education.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will make my environmental actions visible by sharing about them on my social media networks and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge participant feed.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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

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

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

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.