Leila Boehmker

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.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 90 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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.

I will prepare my own pet treats 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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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

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

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

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 60 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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 only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).