Alison Corcoran

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

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 use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 3 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will only use reusable containers instead of single-use plastic storage items (such as plastic wrap, single-use sandwich bags).

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 3 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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

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

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

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

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 spend at least 5 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.

I will spend 5 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 10 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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!

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

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

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