Rachael Adams

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, making sure to not contaminate recyclables with non-recyclables.

I will avoid sending disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

I will keep disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will spend minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend at least minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

Both systemic and personal sustainability are important! I will develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group of decision makers.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.