Elizabeth Parada

I will spend at least 180 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 at least 120 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.

Post to our Team APE feed about an item that you "upcycled" or "creatively reused" and thereby avoided consuming plastic associated with buying a new item and having that item sent to you/your area!

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

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

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, or dirt with baking soda.

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

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

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

I will spend 120 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

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

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!

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 120 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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