Sarah Rauscher

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

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

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

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

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

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 spend 45 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

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 make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 20 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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

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

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 find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.