Nancy Balet

Post to our Team APE feed about an item that you "upcycled" or "creatively reused" and thereby avoided consuming plastic associated with buying a new item and having that item sent to you/your area!

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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

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 host or participate in a beach, highway, river, or other cleanup effort in my community that follows the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 25 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will visit the rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.

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

I will spend 20 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 conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

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

I will purchase food items with the least amount of packaging.

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

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

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

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