Joanne Gerson

Understanding the origins of plastic helps us see its environmental impact more clearly. I will spend 45 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.

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.