Mary Hanks

Instead of purchasing new plastic containers, utilize social media and email groups to identify and acquire at least 10 used plastic containers for sprouting seedlings.

Create a spot for broadcast on progressive forums on a public or community radio station to discuss the issue of plastics usage and explain the July Plastic Free Ecochallenge. Add the spot to the station's archives, if possible, to make it available on demand.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 120 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will find secondhand sources for my pet's water/food dishes, collars or leashes.

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

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

Plastic production, not just disposal, pollutes communities and harms people. I will learn about the impacts of plastic production on humans, animals, communities, and the environment.

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 give a shout-out on social media to a local company, coworker, friend or family member for their plastic free or green efforts.

I will spend at least 120 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 50 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

I will spend 120 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 spend 60 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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

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.