Karen Garcia

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 20 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

I will pick up 4 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

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 conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

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

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

I will host or participate in a beach, highway, river, or other cleanup effort in my community.

I will make my environmental actions visible by sharing about them on my social media networks and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge participant feed.

I will replace 3 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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.

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

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

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.