INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The vast majority of Styrofoam is produced because of packing purposes, padding and securing things for shipping. While it can be difficult to avoid receiving Styrofoam when you make a purchase, you can always cut down on your own use of Styrofoam when sending packages by avoiding the use of loose-fill packing "peanuts" and using other kinds of biodegradable packing materials. Use newspaper, or other recyclable plastic materials to pad your packages. If it's not super-breakable, there's probably no need for Styrofoam. Using corn and soy-based packing materials is becoming more and more common. If you work for a business that regularly sells things that require packing protection, consider making the alternative to biodegradable alternatives to Styrofoam. A company called Ecovative has recently developed a mushroom-based product that can be grown to fit any space, much like Styrofoam, but with completely biodegradable materials. It's just as lightweight and customizable as Styrofoam, but with none of the environmental impact. When you're making consumer purchases, try your best to only purchase things packaged in and made from post-consumer recycled materials. It can be difficult to know if something you buy will contain styrofoam included in the packing materials, but if you're buying with an eye for companies that make recycling and reusing a priority, you can be fairly certain that the packaging won't include any. Take-out boxes are tough to get rid of and almost impossible to recycle. If you're a foodie, get in the habit of avoiding those Styrofoam take-out boxes and instead asking for the kitchen to wrap up your leftovers in aluminum foil so you can take it home. You can also simply eat there if you have the time. The restaurant will likely use formal(kind of) plates, bowls, and other eating tools and containers, but if you don't have the time, use aluminum foil. If you make regular coffee-stops throughout your week, try to invest in a reusable coffee mug that you can travel with, instead of collecting "to-go" cups at home and not being able to easily recycle them. Egg cartons are the other big offender when it comes to non-recyclable Styrofoam materials. How best to approach these Styrofoam traps? Avoid them entirely. Only buy eggs from recycled paper cartons, or other recyclable materials. If you end up with lots of Styrofoam containers, you can reuse the cartons if you buy eggs in bulk, or donate egg cartons at the farmers' market, or to farmers with lots of chickens who'll need to hold their eggs.

SUMMARY: Use biodegradable packing materials. Purchase post-consumer recycled materials. Ask for aluminum foil at a restaurant, instead of a take-out box. Use a reusable coffee mug. Buy eggs in recycled paper cartons.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you're comfortable coming out in person, doing it one-on-one or in small groups is an awesome idea. Ask your friends to meet you in a comfortable, private location. Then, tell them what you practiced. For instance, you might ask your friends out to dinner or could invite them over to your house. You get to set the mood for your coming out. If you want it to be more playful than serious, try adding props to your announcement. You might use a large banner or give your friends small items or gifts with your LGBTQ+ announcement written on them. In addition to keeping it fun, props also break the ice for you! Here are some ideas: Make a banner that says "I'm gay!" and stand under it. Hand out cupcakes that say "Your Friend is Bi." Give your friends eggs filled with glitter, then ask everyone to break them just before you make your announcement. Sing "I'm Coming Out" on a karaoke machine. You might be too nervous to tell people in person, and that's totally okay! Instead, type out everything you want to say into a text. Alternatively, send your friends a fun coming out meme. In addition to helping you feel comfortable, this gives them time to process the information and come up with a response. You could text them, "Hey, you're one of my best friends, so I wanted to tell you something really important about me. I hope that you'll accept me for who I am and be there for me. I've known for awhile that I'm a trans man, and I want to start living my life as my true self." A personal letter is an intimate way of expressing what you want to say without having to do it in person. Write or type all of the information you want to share as part of your coming out. Personalize letters to each of your friends so they understand how much they mean to you. Send the letters to your friends, then wait a few days before following up with everyone. Some of your friends might reach out to you right away. If this happens, listen to what they have to say and answer questions you feel comfortable with. After about 2-3 days, contact friends you haven't heard from. Say something like, "I wanted to talk to you about the letter I sent you. Have you read it?" If you're comfortable with everyone knowing your sexuality or gender identity, posting on social media might be a fun, easy way to come out to everyone. Type out an emotional message if that feels right to you, or post a fun LGBTQ+ photo. Explain that you're proud of who you are and hope your friends will be supportive. Type something like, "I feel like it's time for me to be honest with everyone. I'm gay and proud! I hope that everyone reading this can accept me for who I am and will support my coming out!" You could also post a pic of you in your favorite rainbow outfit, holding a sign that says, "Hey! I'm Gay!" If you enjoy being the center of attention, a coming out party might be the most fun way to tell your friends. Plan a party that's as big or small as you feel comfortable with. Then, invite the friends you think will be supportive. Here are some party ideas to help you come out: Consider using rainbow decorations to signal to your friends that this is a coming out party. Hang a banner that announces your sexuality or gender identity if that feels right to you. Have a toast to give your coming out speech. Decorate your treats with fun coming out statements, like "Gay AF" or "Who runs my world? Girls!"

SUMMARY:
Tell your friends in person if you feel comfortable doing it face-to-face. Use props if you want to make it playful and fun. Come out in a text if you're too nervous to say it in person. Write a letter if you express yourself better on paper. Make an announcement on social media to tell everyone at once. Host a coming out party if you want to set a celebratory tone.