Laura Barragan

Widespread change starts with local action and community innovation. I will spend 15 minutes learning about programs or initiatives in my area that reduce plastic use, such as third-party sanitization services, repair cafes, food gleaning, lending libraries, bulk or thrift stores, bans on single-use items, or zero-waste businesses.

Many of us recycle with good intentions, but most plastic doesn’t get recycled. I will spend 20 minutes learning why plastic recycling falls short and what really happens to plastic waste.

Policy is one of the most powerful tools for reducing plastic waste at scale. I will spend 10 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.

Change starts at home. I will create a fun challenge with my household — like using no single-use plastic for a day or swapping out a product — to make plastic reduction a shared goal.

Access is key to making sustainable choices easier. I will suggest a refill station (like for water, soap, or dry goods) or a returnable container system in a space I use regularly — such as a school, office, store, or gym — to help make plastic-free options more visible and convenient for everyone.

Reducing plastic can be easier — and more fun — when shared. I will plan and prepare a meal with friends or family that minimizes single-use packaging and plastic waste.

Learning or sharing repair skills can keep useful items in use and out of the landfill. I will teach or learn a skill to extend the life of a product — like sewing, electronic repair, or furniture restoration — and share what I did with my community, workplace, or group to encourage others to do the same.

Food packaging is a major source of plastic. I will pack a lunch with little or no plastic and use it as a conversation starter with coworkers, classmates, or friends to share tips and inspire change.

Those recycling numbers and symbols can be confusing. I will spend 10 minutes learning what different plastic labels mean, including what can and can’t be recycled, to make more informed choices when I shop.

Not all “eco-friendly” plastics are created equal. I will spend 10 minutes exploring the differences between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics—and what happens to each at the end of its life.