Dana Clark

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and containers in my family's lunches to reduce plastic waste.

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.

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

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

I will recycle used contact lenses and packaging.

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.

I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 3 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

I will replace single use diapers with reusable cloth diapers.

I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

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

I will spend 5 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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

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.

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

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, 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 bring my own snacks and meals in my own containers to avoid the waste of take-out containers.

I will replace 2 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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 replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 2 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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 conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.