Cecilia Costa

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

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

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

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.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable options.

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

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 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.

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 60 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

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 advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

I will spend 120 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will make better choices for the environment and my baby's bum by using reusable baby wipes most or all of the time.

I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.

I will spend 60 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 60 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

I will spend at least 30 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.