Veronica Chainey

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

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

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

Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 10 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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 spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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 30 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

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

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

I will spend 60 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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!

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 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 spend 60 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 host or participate in a beach, highway, river, or other cleanup effort in my community.

I will pick up 15 piece(s) of litter each day.

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.