Ronni Hatcher

I will spend at least 40 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.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

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

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

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

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 keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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

I will donate 3 zero waste period kits to young people with periods so that they can reduce their waste and the financial burden of menstruation while continuing their education.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

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

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

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.

I will spend 30 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 plant a herb or vegetable garden using as little plastic as possible and to save from the plastic used buying herbs and veggies.

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

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

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

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will spend 45 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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.