Cheyenne Mathes

I will keep 7 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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 purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

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

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

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

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

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

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

I will hang-dry my laundry to use the sun as a natural bleach alternative, or use another natural bleach alternative.

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

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

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 swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.