Grey Gowder

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

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.

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

I will spend at least 30 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.

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

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

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 pick up 30 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

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

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.