In honor of Earth Day, we’re sharing simple ways you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. From everyday kitchen swaps to online shopping behavior, each daily habit can help to protect and save our beautiful Mother Earth.
We even listed them in order from easiest to environmental pro status. Pick one or earn the extra credit and incorporate all 21 into your lifestyle.
• Turn off your water while you’re brushing your teeth and during your morning and evening skincare routine while you’re consciously massaging your cleanser into your face.
• Don’t forget to always turn off your lights when you leave a room and when you leave the house.
• Speaking of lights, the next time a light goes out in your home, replace it with an energy-saving LED bulb.
• Keep extra grocery store totes in the back of your car. Once you unload your purchases, get in the habit of immediately putting the totes back in your trunk.
• Pay your bills electronically. All it takes is setting up the payment information one time (for each company), and then you’ll be set for future bills.
• Keep a filter water pitcher in your fridge to avoid plastic bottles. You can even pre-fill reusable water bottles and store them in your fridge so you can just grab and go.
• If you haven’t already, bulk up your metal (or reusable) straw collection.
• Replace paper towels with bamboo options or ditch them completely and get in the habit of using dishcloths.
• Stick with Stashers. Slowly replace your plastic baggie habit with these reusable silicone pouches. They are dishwasher, fridge, and freezer safe, and keep your leftovers just as fresh!
• Buy compostable trash bags.
• If you must use single-use utensils, opt for a biodegradable option.
• Update your oral care to be more sustainable. We love this eco-friendly dental floss.
• We all use Amazon on the regular, but instead of swiping orders item by item, save to your cart and place a bulk order at the end of the week. Be sure to mark the option to send what’s available in the same box. This will help save unnecessary packaging.
• Get creative with upcycling your belongings. Start with repurposing finished candle vessels—here’s our full tutorial.
• Challenge yourself to go plant-based once a week. Then, slowly increase the days of the week you eat plant-based meals.
• Recycle, obviously. But go the extra mile and call or research your local county to find out what will actually be recycled and where you can drop off items that fall under a special category.
• Reduce junk mail by downloading the app PaperKarma. Once you download, all you have to do is take a picture of the unwanted mail and click the unsubscribe option in the app. Note: not all companies are linked with PaperKarma, but it’s a great way to start the end of the majority of your junk mail.
• Buy secondhand clothing and home decor.
• Rethink your transportation. This can be both small and big picture. Is your destination within a walkable distance? Leave 10 minutes early and make the trek on foot. Time to invest in a new car? Consider a hybrid electric vehicle.
• Put your green thumb to use and grow herbs like basil and mint at home. Depending on how much space you have in your backyard, you can even plant a larger veggie and fruit garden.
• Look into composting.
And last but not least, share your green habits with your friends and family. Let them know how easy it is to make small changes that amount to a big difference.
