Olivia Downey

I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

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.

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 host a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

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

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

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

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

I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.

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.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 30 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

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 45 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 45 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me.

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

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

I will spend 45 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 advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

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.

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