Emma Cummins

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 20 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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 give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

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

I will pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 20 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

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

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 spend 45 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will donate 5 zero waste period kits to young people with periods so that they can reduce their waste and the financial burden of menstruation while continuing their education.

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

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 my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

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

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

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

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

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 25 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

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 find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

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

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