Melody Eastburn

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 3 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.

I will avoid sending up to .69 lbs (.31 kg) of food waste to the landfill each day by composting my food or learning how to.

I will save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper each day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided.

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

I will visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those who produce my food in other regions of the world to make better choices when I shop.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing and ending unwanted subscriptions.

I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

I will spend at least 5 minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching and recycling all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.