Jonelle Meyer

Gatherings are a great time to model new habits. I will plan or participate in a lunch or event where people bring their own containers, utensils, or cups to reduce single-use plastic.

Food packaging is a major source of plastic. I will pack a lunch with little or no plastic and use it as a conversation starter with coworkers, classmates, or friends to share tips and inspire change.

Reducing plastic can be easier — and more fun — when shared. I will plan and prepare a meal with friends or family that minimizes single-use packaging and plastic waste.

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.

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

Giving can be an act of change and inspiration. I will give a thoughtful, plastic-free or plastic-reducing gift — like a reusable bag, bottle, or bar soap — to someone in my life and share why I chose it.

Learning or sharing repair skills can keep useful items in use and out of the landfill. I will teach or learn a skill to extend the life of a product — like sewing, electronic repair, or furniture restoration — and share what I did with my community, workplace, or group to encourage others to do the same.

Advocacy campaigns can drive real change by amplifying public support. I will find and support a campaign — through a donation, signature, or share — that’s working to reduce plastic pollution or address the climate impacts of plastic.

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.

Art can shift mindsets and spark movements. I will support a local or global artist using their work to raise awareness about plastic pollution — by purchasing, promoting, or sharing their art and message.

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.

Plastic pollution is visible in many communities. I will take part in or organize a cleanup event to remove litter, raise awareness, and spark conversations about how plastic ends up in our environment.

Awareness is the first step toward change. I’ll track how much plastic I use in a day (or week), paying attention to packaging, food containers, and single-use items. I’ll reflect on what surprised me most and what I could do differently.

Having reusables ready and integrated into your daily routine can help you avoid single-use plastic while out and about. I will put together a kit with items like a mug, water bottle, utensils, or tote bag to take with me when I leave the house.

Even the best intentions can be forgotten in the rush of daily life. I will create a system — like a note on the door or a checklist — to help me and others in my household remember to grab our reusables before we go.

Washing synthetic fabrics releases tiny plastic fibers that end up in our waterways. I will install a washing machine filter or use a microplastic-catching device to capture microplastics before they leave my home — and I will share what I did and why with others to inspire more sustainable laundry habits.

Fast fashion is a major source of plastic pollution. I will organize a clothing swap with friends, neighbors, or coworkers to keep clothes in use longer, reduce plastic-based textiles, and build community.

Simple swaps or strategies can inspire others—especially when shared publicly. I will post about a favorite plastic-free product or habit on social media to help normalize sustainable choices and show others that small changes are doable and worth trying.

My voice can influence change. I will find out when local meetings or comment periods are happening and speak up about plastic waste or pollution in my community. Whether it’s a public forum or written comment, I’ll share my concerns to help advance more sustainable practices and policies.

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.

From plastic-wrapped produce to takeout containers, food is one of the biggest sources of single-use plastic. I will enjoy one meal using ingredients and tools that minimize plastic packaging — opting for items in aluminum, paper, steel cans, or glass jars instead of plastic. I’ll also use a water refill station instead of single-use bottles to keep the meal as plastic-free as possible.

Even small swaps can add up to big impact. I will replace one product I use regularly — like soap, cleaning spray, or snacks — with a refillable or plastic-free version.

Food businesses are major sources of single-use plastic. I will talk to a local café, food truck, or restaurant about allowing reusable containers, more sustainable materials, or cutting down on unnecessary plastic packaging.