Kaitlyn Gengler

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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 give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

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.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 5 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

I will make my own cleaning products at home.

I will host a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

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

Watch film "Smog of the Sea" to learn more about the impact of plastic in our oceans. Be inspired by the unique crew and see that anyone can make a difference.

If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me in a TSA-approved reusable quart-sized bag.

When it's time to buy more, I will replace my beauty products with refillable, sustainable, and/or DIY options.

I will keep 3 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

I will keep 3 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

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.