Tammie Benzinger

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

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

Join WashU Sustainability Staff July 20th from 12pm – 1pm to learn more about how single-use plastics are used in research and healthcare and how you can begin to reduce plastic use in your lab or practice.

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.

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

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

Reducing meat consumption has many benefits; it curtails greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil degradation. It will also save an enormous amount of land, water use and will increase biodiversity.

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

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

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