Jordyn Garnett

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

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

I will keep 3 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 3 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

I will spend at least 15 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 5 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 25 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 5 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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.

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 swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.

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

I will spend at least 30 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.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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