Sharon Leavitt

Those recycling numbers and symbols can be confusing. I will spend 5 minutes learning what different plastic labels mean, including what can and can’t be recycled, to make more informed choices when I shop.

Understanding the origins of plastic helps us see its environmental impact more clearly. I will spend 5 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.

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.

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 5 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.