Emily Hertlein

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

I will swap out 5 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

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

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.