Loretta Pregartner

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 60 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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.

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

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

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

I will make my environmental actions visible by sharing about them on my social media networks and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge participant feed.

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

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.

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

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

I will write or sign 1 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

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 spend at least 60 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 60 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 toothpaste — 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.

I will pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.