Rachael Carter

I will spend 60 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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.

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

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 educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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 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 spend at least 120 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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

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

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

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

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

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

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

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

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

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.

I will prepare meals at home each day without using any items packaged in single-use plastic.