Kathleen Monroe

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

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!

When possible, I will not use disposable bags when shopping, including produce bags.

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

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

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

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

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

I will spend 30 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

I will use a rubber glove to remove pet hair from clothes, carpets and furniture.

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

If possible, I will avoid sending 3 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 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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

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

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.