Lauren Potak

Because many tea bags and most sleeves and sachets contain plastic, I will switch to using loose leaf tea.

I will replace single use diapers with reusable cloth diapers.

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 make better choices for the environment and my baby's bum by using reusable baby wipes most or all of the time.

I will make my own cleaning products at home.

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 make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 2 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

I will host or participate in a beach, highway, river, or other cleanup effort in my community that follows the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer.

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

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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 use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

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

When it's time to buy more, I will replace my beauty products with refillable, sustainable, and/or DIY options.

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

I will replace my soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions with a sustainable, unpackaged, or refillable option.

I will recycle used contact lenses and packaging.

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

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

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

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 swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

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