Mara Unkefer

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

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

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

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

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

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

I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.

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.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 90 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will spend at least 90 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.

I will spend 90 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 90 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 90 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

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 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!

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 90 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

I will teach my little ones about microplastics while we do a craft project together using glitter alternatives.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 90 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.