Angela Cantu

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 use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 20 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

I will host a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

I will spend 10 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

I will replace 2 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

I will keep 3 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

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

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

I will teach my little ones about microplastics while we do a craft project together using glitter alternatives.

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

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 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 write or sign 4 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

I will pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

I will only pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and tupperware-like containers in my children's lunches to reduce plastic waste.

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

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.