Lea Troutman

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

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

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.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 7 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

I will only buy cloth, wooden or plant-based natural rubber toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

I will swap out 3 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 7 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 7 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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 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.

I will spend at least 7 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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 7 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will spend 7 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 switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.

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

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

I will make my own cleaning products or choose plastic-free, refillable options.