kelly hanson

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 spend 15 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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

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

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

I will talk to the owner or manager of a restaurant I frequent to request that they reduce their use of single-use and disposable plastics.

I will keep 2 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

I will make my own cleaning products at home.

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

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

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

I will recycle used contact lenses and packaging.

I will swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

I will spend 20 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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!

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 15 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

I will spend 45 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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.

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