S Ruiz

We are very grateful to be living here in SoCal, but we still strive for a cleaner environment. As the summer weather sets in and the sea breeze comes forth, we become induced to go to the beach. However, upon our arrival we see waste. Seeing trash near our ocean and washed up on shore pushes me to keep our beaches clean with a Beach Cleanup Challenge. I hope to, with the help of some friends, pick up trash at the beach and discover new ways on how to keep our beaches unsullied.

I will use a menstrual cup and/or cloth pads

I will conduct a waste audit - including recyclables and compost - to understand how much waste I create and where I can reduce the most.

I will purchase beauty products that are packaged in sustainable packaging.

I will host a house party with friends and/or colleagues to watch a movie or present a guest speaker on plastics.

I will purchase refillable beauty products.

I will swap out my cat's litter for sawdust, mulch, and dirt with baking soda.

I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will make my own cleaning products at home.

I will give my pets natural alternatives to toys like femur bones and antlers, canvas, natural rubber, hemp, rope or cotton toys. Or I will make our own toys from recycled items found in our home!

I will pick up 3 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will purchase toothpaste in an aluminum tube or in a glass jar or make my own!

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.

I will prepare my own pet food and treats to avoid plastic packaging.

I will spend 15 minutes learning how to compost pet waste at home or research pet waste composting services available in my area.

I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or bringing my own collapsible cup.