Kristen Rauch

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 use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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.

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.

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