Colleen Sullivan

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

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 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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

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 use laundry detergent that is packaged in glass or aluminum, or an alternative like soap nuts.

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

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

When I need to replace my dish soap, I will switch to a bar or refillable option.

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

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

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 replace 6 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable options.

Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 25 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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.