Monica Abonce

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

I will make better choices for the environment and my baby's bum by using reusable baby wipes most or all of the time.

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 replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.

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

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

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

When available, I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers.

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

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will spend 10 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 10 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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

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

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.

I will keep 1 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 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.

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 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.

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