Sue Fite

I will read through the three emails each week to learn more about plastic and get ideas on how to use less.

I will spend 15 minutes conducting a waste audit- including recyclables and compost- to understand how much plastic waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

I will complete a plastic consumption calculator to learn about my plastic footprint.

I will learn about what different descriptions and marketing terms mean when used on plastics.

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

Throughout its life cycle, polystyrene (styrofoam) can harm people, communities, and the planet. I will refuse styrofoam whenever I can.

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.

I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polyvinyl, polystyrene and polycarbonate (#3,#6 and #7).

I will not bring leftovers home from a restaurant in plastic containers. This is one of the ways plastic accumulates in our home over time.

The numbers #1-7 on plastics tell us a lot and can help us be better recyclers. I will learn more about what the symbols on plastics mean.