Erin Mclaughlin

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

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

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

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

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

I will spend 45 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will swap out 4 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

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

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.

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

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

I will spend 90 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

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

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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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 make my own cleaning products at home.

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 visit the rePurpose website, complete the 3-minute plastic consumption calculator, and explore how I can reBalance my annual plastic footprint.

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 4 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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.