Karen Benson

Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food, water, and the air we breathe. I will spend 5 minutes learning about the health impacts of plastic exposure and explore safer swaps — like choosing glass or stainless steel over plastic for food storage and drinking water.

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.

Plastic pollution is visible in many communities. I will take part in or organize a cleanup event to remove litter, raise awareness, and spark conversations about how plastic ends up in our environment.

Even small swaps can add up to big impact. I will replace one product I use regularly — like soap, cleaning spray, or snacks — with a refillable or plastic-free version.

Buying recycled or secondhand products helps close the loop and reduces demand for new plastic. I will look for and purchase a product made from recycled materials or choose a secondhand option the next time I shop to keep valuable resources in use longer.

Our grocery habits are one of the biggest sources of single-use plastic, from packaging on produce to plastic bags and containers. I will spend 20 minutes researching low-plastic shopping strategies and make a list of things to look for or do differently the next time I go to the store.

Where we spend our money shapes the market. I will support a business that offers plastic-free, low-waste, or refillable products or services.

Recycling rules vary by location. I’ll spend 20 minutes learning which plastics my local program accepts. This helps me avoid “wishcycling” — tossing items in the bin and hoping they’ll be recycled, even if they aren’t.

My everyday choices can influence others. I will carry and use a reusable kit in public spaces, modeling plastic-reducing behaviors and showing that small changes are possible.

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.

Giving can be an act of change and inspiration. I will give a thoughtful, plastic-free or plastic-reducing gift — like a reusable bag, bottle, or bar soap — to someone in my life and share why I chose it.

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.

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.

Not all “eco-friendly” plastics are created equal. I will spend 5 minutes exploring the differences between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics—and what happens to each at the end of its life.