Kaity Knutson

Understanding my plastic footprint is a powerful first step toward making change. I will complete a short online plastic calculator, like the one from rePurpose Global, to estimate my annual plastic use and explore ways to reduce it.

Understanding the origins of plastic helps us see its environmental impact more clearly. I will spend 30 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 30 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.

Plastic pollution doesn’t affect everyone equally. I will spend 30 minutes learning how plastic production, use, and disposal harm communities — especially those near waste sites.

Seeing where waste goes can change how we think about what we throw away. I will visit a local facility to learn more about the waste stream in my community and share what I learn with others and in the feed.

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.

Policy is one of the most powerful tools for reducing plastic waste at scale. I will spend 15 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.