Kelsie Patterson

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 use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 8 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

I will replace 8 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

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

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

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

I will pick up 50 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can, making sure to kindly let people know why I'm asking for alternative packaging.

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

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