Edie Dalessio

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.

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

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.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 15 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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.

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

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

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.

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

I will donate 1 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.

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

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

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

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

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

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

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

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 15 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 15 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

I will spend 15 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.