Doreen Gallevo

Many of us recycle with good intentions, but most plastic doesn’t get recycled. I will spend 30 minutes learning why plastic recycling falls short and what really happens to plastic waste.

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

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.

Plastic pollution doesn’t affect everyone equally. I will spend 20 minutes learning how plastic production, use, and disposal harm communities — especially those near waste sites.

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.

Understanding the origins of plastic helps us see its environmental impact more clearly. I will spend 10 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.

Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food, water, and the air we breathe. I will spend 10 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.