Courty Hamill

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

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

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

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 5 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

I will swap out 5 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 15 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will talk to the owner or manager of a restaurant I frequent to request that they reduce their use of single-use and disposable plastics.

I will spend 100 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will spend 15 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 create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

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

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

I will spend at least 10 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 replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 30 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

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

I will donate 3 zero waste period kits to young people with periods so that they can reduce their waste and the financial burden of menstruation while continuing their education.