Debra Lee Norton Wear

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

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

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 5 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.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 30 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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.

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.

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

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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

I will spend 60 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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 keep 1 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.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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).

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

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

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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.

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

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