At Home

Reduce the plastics you use around your home.

Look at the plastic items you use around your home and think of ways you can avoid purchasing them. Reduce or repurpose what you can and properly recycle plastics you cannot avoid.

Make Green Cleaners

I will make (___) of my own cleaning products (cleaners, detergents, soaps) instead of buying them in new spray bottles each time.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Green cleaning guide (Hennepin County)
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Ditch the Disposable Cleaning Wipes

I will replace my disposable cleaning wipes with a reusable brush or cloth.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Ditch disposable face wipes and pads - information and tips - Dare overview - Ailuna
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Choose Natural Clothing Fibers

I will purchase clothing made with natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or wool, rather than synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, acrylic or spandex.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

The Story of Stuff - The Story of Microfibers

Are We Eating Our Fleece Jackets? Microfibers Are Migrating Into Field And Food

The Fabric Cycle: Generating Microplastics from Our Laundry
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DAILY ACTION
Skip the Dryer Sheets

I will replace dryer sheets with a reusable alternative or use nothing at all.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Dryer sheet alternatives (lifehacker)
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ONE-TIME ACTION
WASH COLD, LINE DRY

I will wash my clothing in cold water and hang it to dry to reduce the amount of microplastic shedding and to prolong the life of my garments.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to clean your clothes sustainably
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DAILY ACTION
Extend the Life of Electronics

Manufacturers want you to replace your phones every year. I will keep my phone for at least 3 years and make any necessary repairs or updates to keep it functioning as long as possible.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Reduce the Impact of Electronics on the Environment
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Plan a Garden

I will plan an herb or vegetable garden for next year at my home, workplace, or community garden.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Zero-Waste, Plastic-Free Gardening

Seed starting basics (Minnesota State Horticultural Society)

Low-Waste Gardening Tips
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ONE-TIME ACTION
REUSE TRASH BAGS BEFORE PURCHASING NEW

I will reuse existing bags such as pet food bags, grocery bags, or online shopping bags to line my trash bins (or go without plastic liners) and offset using as many new bags as possible.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to survive without plastic kitchen trash bags
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Ditch the Plastic Dry Cleaning Bags

I will call ahead to ask if I can bring my own garment bag to the dry cleaner or request no bag.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Recycle Dry Cleaning Bags

Recycle beyond the bag (Trex)

Green disposal guide: plastic bags and wrap (Hennepin County)
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DAILY ACTION
Shop Used

I will buy secondhand goods to reduce the demand for new plastic products and avoid packaging.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Choose to Reuse

Reuse & Donation Opportunities (Ramsey County)
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DAILY ACTION
Swap Sponges for Longer Lasting Reusable Options

I will ditch the sponge and use a reusable or compostable option such as a brush, scrubber or dishrag instead.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Best Eco-Friendly Sponges for Zero Waste Cleaning
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Plastic-Free Caffeine Routine

I will cut single-use plastics out of my morning drink by switching to reusable coffee pods, tea infusers, and bulk beans or tea leaves.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

The Best Reusable K-Cup for the Eco-friendly Coffee Drinker

Is There Plastic in Tea Bags?
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Buy better gum

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

What is in chewing gum? (BBC Science Focus)

All natural gum (Treehugger)
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DAILY ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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