Erika Murphy

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

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 15 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

I will try new recipe(s) or food preparation method(s) each day, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.

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

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

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

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

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

I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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 switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.

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.

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 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 4 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will swap out 1 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 10 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 15 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

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

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 replace 5 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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

I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

I will use a microfiber catcher in my laundry, or install a microfiber filter for my washing machine.

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.