Nicole Brown

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.

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

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

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 make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

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.

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.

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).

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

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

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.