Melanie DiStefano

I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.

I will pick up 2 piece(s) of litter each day.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 30 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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.

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

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

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

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

I will use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 3 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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.

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

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.

I will spend 15 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 30 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will spend 30 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 switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.

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 make my own cleaning products at home.

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

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

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.