Nara S

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.

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

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 10 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.

Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food, water, and the air we breathe. I will spend 20 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.

Those recycling numbers and symbols can be confusing. I will spend 20 minutes learning what different plastic labels mean, including what can and can’t be recycled, to make more informed choices when I shop.

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.

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.

Big changes often begin with one bold conversation. I will bring up the topic of reducing plastic at school, work, or in a group I’m part of, planting the seed for collective action.

Clear, accessible information makes it easier for others to take action. I will create or share a simple guide with tips, resources, or local options to help people in my community, organization, or group reduce plastic use.

Visual cues can inspire action in shared spaces. I will place a friendly sign or reminder in a common area — like a kitchen, bathroom, or office — to encourage less plastic use and spark conversation. I’ll include a clear, specific call to action so people know exactly how to take the next step.

Sharing or giving away unwanted items can reduce plastic waste and build community connections. I will set up or promote a free store at my workplace, school, or church to help redistribute surplus items — like office supplies, kitchenware, clothing, or books — and keep them in use rather than buying new.

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.

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.

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.

Change starts at home. I will create a fun challenge with my household — like using no single-use plastic for a day or swapping out a product — to make plastic reduction a shared goal.

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.

Access is key to making sustainable choices easier. I will suggest a refill station (like for water, soap, or dry goods) or a returnable container system in a space I use regularly — such as a school, office, store, or gym — to help make plastic-free options more visible and convenient for everyone.

Transforming a space together can build momentum and spark conversation. I will work with someone else to remove or replace plastics in one room of our home or work place, such as the kitchen, lunch room, or bathroom.

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.

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.

Not all “eco-friendly” plastics are created equal. I will spend 20 minutes exploring the differences between bioplastics, compostable plastics, and recyclable plastics—and what happens to each at the end of its life.

Understanding the origins of plastic helps us see its environmental impact more clearly. I will spend 20 minutes learning how plastic is made — from fossil fuels to finished product — and reflect on how that knowledge influences my choices.