Markus Endter

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will talk to the owner or manager of a restaurant I frequent to request that they reduce their use of single-use and disposable plastics.

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

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with a sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable option.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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 spend 5 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

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

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.

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.

I will visit the rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will make my environmental actions visible by posting to my social media networks.

I will spend 10 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 15 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

I will keep 10 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

I will keep 6 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 10 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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

I will plant a herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.

I will advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

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

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

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