Kaitlyn Gengler

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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

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.

If possible, I will avoid sending 3 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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

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

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

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

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 20 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

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 spend at least 20 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.

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

I will spend 20 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will spend 30 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will pick up 2 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

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

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

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.