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.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Green cleaning guide (Hennepin County)
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Ditch the Disposable Cleaning Wipes

I will replace my disposable cleaning wipes with a reusable brush or cloth.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Ditch disposable face wipes and pads - information and tips - Dare overview - Ailuna
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

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.
LEARN MORE

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
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

DAILY ACTION
Skip the Dryer Sheets

I will replace dryer sheets with a reusable alternative or use nothing at all.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Dryer sheet alternatives (lifehacker)
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME 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.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Reduce the Impact of Electronics on the Environment
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Plan a Garden

I will plan an herb or vegetable garden for next year at my home, workplace, or community garden.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Zero-Waste, Plastic-Free Gardening

Seed starting basics (Minnesota State Horticultural Society)

Low-Waste Gardening Tips
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Reuse Trash Bags Instead of Purchasing New

I will reuse existing bags such as pet food bags, grocery bags, or online shopping bags instead of buying any new bags to line my trash containers.

You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?

JOIN TO SELECT

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.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Recycle Dry Cleaning Bags

Recycle beyond the bag (Trex)

Green disposal guide: plastic bags and wrap (Hennepin County)
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

DAILY ACTION
Shop Used

I will buy secondhand goods to reduce the demand for new plastic products and avoid packaging.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Choose to Reuse

Reuse & Donation Opportunities (Ramsey County)
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

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.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

Best Eco-Friendly Sponges for Zero Waste Cleaning
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

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.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

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

Is There Plastic in Tea Bags?
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

ONE-TIME ACTION
Buy better gum

I will give up gum or choose gum made from chicle or other plastic-free gum bases.
LEARN MORE

ACTION RESOURCES:

What is in chewing gum? (BBC Science Focus)

All natural gum (Treehugger)
You have already completed this action during the Challenge. Removing the action could cause you to lose points. Are you sure you want to do this?
JOIN TO SELECT

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!

JOIN TO SELECT

BACK TO ALL ACTION CATEGORIES