Nicole Venteris

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

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!

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

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

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

Using the action resource links below, my family will spend 30 minutes learning about environmental justice, causes of environmental injustice, and how plastic waste disproportionately impacts already vulnerable communities.

I will donate 1 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 lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.

I will make my own cleaning products at home.

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

I will spend 45 minutes educating my family on the basics of living a reduced/no-plastic lifestyle.

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

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

Join WashU Sustainability Staff July 20th from 12pm – 1pm to learn more about how single-use plastics are used in research and healthcare and how you can begin to reduce plastic use in your lab or practice.

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

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

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

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.

I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own reusable straw.

I will keep 1 plastic cutlery out of the landfill per day by using my own reusable cutlery.

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

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 spend at least 30 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 4 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

I will swap out my single use plastic bags for a pooper-scooper.

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