Change the Game: Shift Systems and Policies

Work together to challenge the systems and policies that drive plastic overuse. These actions focus on advocacy and collaboration to make sustainable choices more accessible and help move our future beyond unnecessary plastic.

Learn about policies that support reducing plastics

Policy is one of the most powerful tools for reducing plastic waste at scale. I will spend (___) minutes learning about current or proposed plastic-related policies, such as bans on single-use plastics or extended producer responsibility laws, to better understand how systems can change.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Ecochallenge Ideas for Policies to Understand

Global Plastics Laws Database

Plastics Legislation Map
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DAILY ACTION
Share an advocacy campaign on social media

Raising awareness helps build momentum for policy change. I will find and share a plastic reduction campaign or petition on social media to help spread the word and invite others to take action.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Latest News from Plastics Pollution Coalition

News Updates from Beyond Plastic

The Power of Social Media for Climate Justice Advocacy
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DAILY ACTION
Support a plastic or climate advocacy campaign

Advocacy campaigns can drive real change by amplifying public support. I will find and support a campaign — through a donation, signature, or share — that’s working to reduce plastic pollution or address the climate impacts of plastic.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Ecochallenge Ideas for Advocacy Campaigns to Explore

An advocacy toolkit to make a difference in your community

10 Reasons Why Advocacy is Important
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Contact a civic leader about a plastic reduction policy

My voice matters. I will contact (___) civic leaders or elected officials to express support for a local, regional, or national policy aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

PDF Lesson and Template: Write a Letter to Your Representative

How local government can help communities go zero waste and plastic free

How to Get Involved with Local Government
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DAILY ACTION
Encourage Local Support for Low-Waste Businesses

Community incentives can encourage more low-waste, reusable, and secondhand businesses to thrive. I will reach out to my local government, chamber of commerce, or business association to discuss potential incentives for businesses that reduce plastic waste through reusable systems, secondhand goods, or low-waste practices.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Empowering local communities for a Zero-Waste future

How local government can help communities go zero waste and plastic free

10 Ways to be a Zero Waste Activist in Your Town
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DAILY ACTION
Encourage others to contact policymakers or institutions

Change is more powerful when it’s collective. I will ask (___) friends, colleagues, or groups to contact elected officials, school boards, or businesses to support policies or practices that reduce plastic waste.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Get Involved with Local Government

The Power of Social Support in Making a Positive Behavior Change

10 Ways to be a Zero Waste Activist in Your Town
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DAILY ACTION
Email a company asking for better packaging options

Companies pay attention when customers speak up. I will email (___) businesses or brands I use, asking them to reduce plastic packaging, offer refills, or improve product sustainability.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

7 Tips for Writing to Companies About Sustainability

Top Sustainable Packaging Mistakes

Explore 10 Sustainable Packaging Innovations Companies Have Used
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DAILY ACTION
Ask a local restaurant to allow reusables or reduce packaging

Food businesses are major sources of single-use plastic. I will talk to a local café, food truck, or restaurant about allowing reusable containers, more sustainable materials, or cutting down on unnecessary plastic packaging.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

7 Tips for Writing to Companies About Sustainability

Plastic-Free Eats

Why Reusable Dishware is the Greenest Option
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Donate to organizations working on systemic plastic reform

Some nonprofits are leading the charge to change policies and corporate practices. I will donate to an organization working to reduce plastic at the source and promote systemic solutions for a healthier planet.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Search for Organizations with Charity Navigator

Explore Millions of Philanthropy Options with EarthShare
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Support an artist working for plastics reduction

Art can shift mindsets and spark movements. I will support a local or global artist using their work to raise awareness about plastic pollution — by purchasing, promoting, or sharing their art and message.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Ecochallenge Ideas for Artists to Know!

12 Inspiring Works of Art on Plastic Pollution

Plastic Art Project Ideas and Inspiration
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Switch to investments that avoid fossil fuels and plastics

Where we put our money matters. I will research and invest in companies, funds, or assets that avoid investing in fossil fuels and plastic production, aligning my finances with my values.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How Can I Ditch Fossil Fuel Investments?

What You Need to Know About Impact Investing

What is Ethical Investing and Why Do It?
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Share my voice in a public comment period

My voice can influence change. I will find out when local meetings or comment periods are happening and speak up about plastic waste or pollution in my community. Whether it’s a public forum or written comment, I’ll share my concerns to help advance more sustainable practices and policies.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Make an Effective Public Comment

Why Public Commenting Matters
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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