Nora Salzberg

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 1 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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 plant an herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.

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

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 hang-dry my laundry to use the sun as a natural bleach alternative, or use another natural bleach alternative.

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

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

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

I will write or sign 3 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

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