Stephanie North

Learn about how plastics are affecting our environment!

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 90 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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.

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.

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 replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.

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

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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 use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 8 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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).

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

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