Explore Reusables

Photo credit: Algalita

Your mission

Identify your most common single use plastics then research reusable alternatives accessible to you. 

Time Commitment: 5 Hours

Range of Impact: Home

Why this Action is impactful

Single use plastics are so engrained in our everyday lives, it can be overwhelming to think about how to reduce them. But just start with one switch – and see it will soon become just a new habit! This Action will help you identify which single use plastic to ditch next.

What to know before getting started

Back in the 1950’s, disposable single-use plastic items were first introduced into mainstream culture. They were marketed to people who were accustomed to using reusables, and who rarely threw anything away! Now, we’re so used to throwing stuff away, we don’t think twice about it. But is the convenience worth the consequences for the health of our planet and our communities?

What to do

For 3 days (they don’t need to be in a row), make a list of the single use plastics you use. Print this datasheet and keep it in your pocket to record your items.  Or take a photo of each item right before you dispose of it (in the recycling or trash) and fill out your datasheet at the end of each day.

Note: If you’re submitting this Action to us, you’ll need to take at least 1 photo each day showing a single use item you used, also showing a paper note with your handwritten username and the day’s date.

Complete the datasheet by determining your top 2 single-use plastic items across the 3 days. Research reusable alternatives for those two items using the questions in the datasheet.

Earn 1 Bonus Hour: Pick one reusable alternative you want to try out!

Tips and suggestions

The most sustainable and affordable option is the one you already have! Get creative about what items you already have that you could reuse. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Make a reusable bag from an old t-shirt.
• Wash a dairy product tub or jelly jar to use as reusable food containers. (Note: some schools don’t allow glass containers.)

The second most sustainable and affordable options are sharing communities (like Buy Nothing groups on social media where people exchange items with their neighbors) and second hand shops.

Track your contribution

To submit your work and get recognized for your contribution to your community, complete the form below. If we approve your submission, you’ll be awarded 5 Hours.

We’re embracing AI and want to provide you with guidance on our expectations for how it fits with this Action. 

  AI Stoplight: Red (AI not allowed) for datasheet and photos. Yellow (Ok for ideation, proofing, research) for research on reusables and where to get them.

Make sure all photos are taken in good light and in focus.

Create an account or login to track your progress.

Do another Action

Check out our other Actions that build off of this one!