Dolce Vieira

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.

The chasing arrows symbol we associate with recycling doesn't always actually mean something is recyclable. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning the different meanings the symbol can have.

I will spend at least 60 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.

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

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

I will spend 120 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

I will pick up 1 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.

I will make my environmental actions visible by sharing about them on my social media networks and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge participant feed.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 60 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 60 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will spend 60 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

Single-use plastics are everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the history of single-use plastics and how it became ubiquitous in our daily lives.

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

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

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

I will spend at least 30 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.