Another trip around the sun means another celebration of this planet we call home. As we revel in springtime this Earth Day, let’s consider ways to reduce our environmental impact with some small, daily changes.

1. Drink from the Tap

   Instead of creating unnecessary waste with bottled water, get a filtration system for the faucet. You’ll reduce costs and plastic at the same time. 

2. Shop Local

   Shopping local is good for the neighborhood, but it’s good for the environment, too. Anytime an item doesn’t have to be packaged, padded, and shipped across the country, it helps cut down on garbage and carbon emissions. 

3. Start Secondhand

   Before heading to a store for your next purchase, why not rummage through the internet for gently used items? You can find vintage treasures on sites like Facebook Marketplace, while online hubs like thredUp will refresh your closet without breaking the bank.

   Reduce waste + save money = win. 

4. Go Veg

   While you may not be ready to give up meat entirely, committing to eating vegetarian at least once a week is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. A well-spiced dish, like an Indian curry or a Korean bibimbap, won’t suffer from a lack of meat.

5. Skip the Plastic

   Recycling plastic isn’t as straightforward as we’d like it to be, so skipping it from the get-go (whenever possible) is best. Try cloth bags for shopping, selecting loose vegetables over prepackaged ones, and choosing aluminum or glass over plastic.

   Hot Tip: Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap.

6. Rethink Hygiene

   Swapping a plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one or paper-wrapped bar soap for body wash is an easy change to make—not much sacrifice required. Using bar shampoo and recycled toilet paper are other simple ways to reduce trash.

   Hot Tip: Use household items like vinegar and baking soda to clean your home, eliminating the need to purchase cleaning products and plastic spray bottles.

7. Compost

   Composting isn’t nearly as complicated as you might think. Vegetable ends, coffee grounds, cardboard egg cartons: they’re all compostable. If you have backyard space, your compost pile can be as simple as a tucked-away corner of the yard with a tarp thrown over it, or as fancy as a solar-powered self-turning compost bin—it’s really up to you.

   Hot Tip: If your outdoor space is limited, try composting in a worm container under your kitchen sink.

8. Air Dry

   Not everyone has room for a clothesline, but even the smallest living spaces have a spot for a foldable drying rack.

   Hot Tip: Airdrying will also extend the life of your clothes, so you’ll replace items less often. 

9. Walk More

   Walking or biking to work isn’t possible for everyone, but do it if you can. It’s not only better for the world, but fresh air and exercise make for a healthier, happier human, too.