Michelle Refuerzo

I will raise money to support a nonprofit dedicated to plastic pollution reduction.

I will spend 180 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

I will host a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

I will spend at least 120 minutes researching the impacts of bioplastics and how to properly dispose of them in my city, and I will share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will spend 120 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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

I will spend at least 120 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 3 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 120 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

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!

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

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

Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can, making sure to kindly let people know why I'm asking for alternative packaging.

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 pick up 25 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will spend at least 90 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 advocate for alternatives to single use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, or work.

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

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

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

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.

Use a reusable cup for your Starbucks beverage.