Julia Peyton

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 spend at least 120 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 8 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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

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 3 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

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

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 180 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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

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

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable options.

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

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

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

I will spend 180 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 45 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 180 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will spend at least 60 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

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

I will spend 60 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

I will pick up 15 piece(s) of litter each day.