Angelica Ortiz

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

I will spend 5 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will replace 5 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

I will spend 10 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

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

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

I will only buy cloth, wooden or plant-based natural rubber toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 15 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

I will host a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

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

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.