Jesus Ortiz

If possible, I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own travel cup.

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

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

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

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

I will keep 6 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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

I will swap out 2 prepackaged snacks a day for fresh fruits or veggies.

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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 use reusable dishes and silverware when eating at work.

I will spend 20 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

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.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 20 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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

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

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

I will spend 20 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 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 5 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

I will spend at least 20 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

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.

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.

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