Itzel Molenaar

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

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 replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

I will spend 10 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day.

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

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

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

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

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

I will recycle used contact lenses and packaging.

I will write or sign 1 letters, emails or petitions per day to advocate for plastic-free or planet-friendly policies.

I will make 1 phone call(s) per day to a public official or company to advocate for planet-friendly policies.

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

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

I will replace 4 plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 10 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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

I will only buy cloth, wooden or plant-based natural rubber toys. Or make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

I will replace single use diapers with reusable cloth diapers.

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 1 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

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

I will paint rooms in my home with low/no VOC or natural paints.