Anthony Waters

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

I will replace my disposable razors with steel razors.

I will switch to a plastic-free deodorant — whether purchased or DIY'd.

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 pack reusable cutlery, drinkware and tupperware-like containers in my children's lunches to reduce plastic waste.

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

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

I will switch to a plastic-free toothpaste — whether purchased or DIY'd.

I will replace my plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush.

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

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

Instead of buying something in plastic, buy it in bulk or grow it. Then, preserve it by canning, freezing, or drying.

Before buying that item you think you need, wait 48 hours. Do you actually need it? Is there something you already have that can serve the same purpose?

Looking for something you need? Check your local thrift store or second hand store first. You can also check Facebook marketplace, eBay or other online second hand stores. Did you know you can buy used on Amazon?

Join your local buy nothing group, swap group, or other local trade based economy group. Don't have one? Make one with friends or family.

When eating out, bring your own container for left overs. At the end of the meal, instead of asking for a to-go container that is probably trash, grab for your reusable one! For our family, we store one in our backpack that we take with us when we go out.

Cook a vegan meal. Eating less meat and dairy not only has health benefits, but environmental benefits. Meat and Dairy industries are huge contributor to green house gases, water usage, land usage, and deforestation? Also most of agriculture is actually used to feed animals for the meat and dairy industry! Do the research and cook a animal free meal!

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 pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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!

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 1 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

I will use wool dryer balls or another plastic-free alternative to dryer sheets to keep my clothes static-free.

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

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

I will spend 15 minutes learning about the costs of fast fashion and begin trying to practice sustainable fashion in my own life.

Wipes don't break down in sewer systems, but combine with fat to create massive clogs. I will find alternatives to using disposable wipes.

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