Jessi Van Laer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 25 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 replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable options.

I will make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

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 25 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 20 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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.

Although a long-standing festive tradition, balloons are harmful for animals and the environment. I will spend 15 learning about the dangers of balloons and find eco-friendly alternatives to use instead.

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 10 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 25 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

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