Jamie Underwood

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

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.

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.

I will keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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

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.

I will spend at least 45 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 10 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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.

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

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

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

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

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

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

I will spend 25 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 replace my disposable razors with steel razors.