Erica Coady

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

I will write or sign 1 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

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

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

I will swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

I will prepare my own pet food to avoid plastic 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 conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

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 try new recipe(s) or food preparation method(s) each day, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.

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.