Abi De Leon

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

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

When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.

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

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

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

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

We create a rocket with recycled materials and kept it to remember to use less plastic or give a second use to "waste".

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

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

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

I will spend 50 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

I will give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 120 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.

I will spend 20 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

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

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

I will replace 5 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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

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

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.

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.

When it's time to buy more, I will replace my beauty products with refillable, sustainable, and/or DIY options.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 70 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.