Melanie Tejeda

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 make the switch to sustainable, reusable period products.

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.

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

I will spend 60 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 not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

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

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

I will pick up 20 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will spend at least 60 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 a watch party with friends and/or colleagues to watch and discuss a movie about plastics.

I will prepare my own pet food to avoid plastic packaging.

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

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.

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

I will donate 2 zero waste period kits to young people with periods so that they can reduce their waste and the financial burden of menstruation while continuing their education.

I will prepare my own pet treats to avoid plastic packaging.

I will make my environmental actions visible by posting to my social media networks.

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

Watch film "Smog of the Sea" to learn more about the impact of plastic in our oceans. Be inspired by the unique crew and see that anyone can make a difference.

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