Yao Cheng

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

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

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

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

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

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 keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

I will recycle used contact lenses and packaging.

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

I will hang-dry my laundry to use the sun as a natural bleach alternative, or use another natural bleach alternative.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 5 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

I will spend 10 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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