Kim Leser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

If traveling, I will reuse my old travel tubes to refill with my soaps or only bring bar soaps with me in a TSA-approved reusable quart-sized bag.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

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

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

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

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 make my own cleaning products at home.

I will replace my pet's shampoo with an eco-friendly shampoo bar or refillable shampoo option.

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

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 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 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.

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

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

I will spend at least 30 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.