Heather Sampey

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 keep 3 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

I will spend 15 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 spend 5 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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

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

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 swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

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

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

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

I will spend at least 15 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.