Katie Whiteside

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

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

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

I will try new recipe(s) or food preparation method(s) each day, such as canning, pickling, making yogurt, or baking granola bars or bread.

If traveling, I will bring my own snacks and meals in my own containers to avoid the waste of take-out containers.

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

If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me.

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

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

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.

I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

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.

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.