Jonelle Meyer

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 spend at least 20 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 20 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

I will spend 20 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will write or sign 3 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

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

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

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.

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

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

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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 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 60 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 pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.

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 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 donate 1 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 recycle used contact lenses and packaging.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

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.