Laurie Chase

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

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

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

I will swap out 1 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

I will only buy cloth, wooden or plant-based natural rubber toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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

I will write or sign 2 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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