Bob Gedert

Widespread change starts with local action and community innovation. I will spend 30 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.

Those recycling numbers and symbols can be confusing. I will spend 30 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 30 minutes exploring the differences between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics—and what happens to each at the end of its life.

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.

Recycling rules vary by location. I’ll spend 5 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.