Earth Day is one of our favorite days of the year. We love seeing everyone go the extra mile to be kind to Mother Earth, and it’s great to have a day to remind us of important issues like water conservation, pollution and clean energy. But what about the rest of the year?
Every little step you (yes, even you!) take to create less waste, use less energy and conserve water brings us closer closer to a healthier, happier world. And if you can make those small steps a daily habit, you’ve not only dramatically improved your own ecological footprint, but you can inspire others in your life to do the same.
In honor of making #EarthDayEveryday, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite tips for living a more eco-friendly life. Even if you only start with one of these, you’ll know that you’re doing your part to help our world year-round.
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Go paperless.
Image via Inhabitots.com
Did you know that paper accounts for 25% of landfill waste, and 33% of municipal waste? Not to mention, it takes more than three gallons of water to make just one sheet of paper! Many thought that our paper use would decline when we all transitioned over to our phones, iPads and other electronics, but unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case. Not yet at least.But there are so many little steps you can take! Transition all of your banking and billing to paperless, for example. Try using cloth towels (or RagBags!) instead of paper towels. Don’t print that email unless it’s completely necessary.Here are some great resources for transitioning to a paperless life in the kitchen, at your office and in your daily life:
Six Simple Steps to a Paperless Kitchen from Eco-Novice
How to Create a Paperless Kitchen from The Art of Simple
Organizing Your Life: How to Go Paperless from Just a Girl and her Blog
Shred, Scan or Store? via LifeHacker
5 Steps to a (Nearly) Paperless Office from Forbes
14 Tips for Creating a Paperless Office from CIO -
Go reusable.
Image via BetterLivingThroughDesign.com
By now you probably know enough to feel just a little guilty about buying bottled water every other day, but did you realize how many products are out there to help reduce waste? From reusable snack bags to coffee filters, if you can dream it, it exists. Here are several of our favorite products for the single-use scenarios in your life.Coffeesock Reusable Coffee Filters – Never run out of coffee filters again. Food Huggers – Finally, a way to save that half a tomato without plastic wrap (pictured above). Reusable Produce Bags – Why stop at just a reusable grocery bag? Aladdin Collapsible Lunch Bowls – Lunch containers that collapse when they’re empty. Genius. Blue Avocado (Re)Zips – Zippered, dishwasher-safe bags for your snacks. Aquaovo Glass Water Bottle with Tea Filter – A glass container that carries both hot and cold drinks, and even makes your tea! Joco Glass Coffee Cups – If you love the look of a classic coffee cup, these adorable Joco cups are for you.
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Save energy at home.
Image via Energy Project Resources
These tips aren’t only good for planet Earth, they’re good for your wallet! Here’s some great resources for lowering your energy bill and your footprint:
How to Save Energy in Your Home from Inhabit
First-Time Homeowners: Energy Efficiency Tips for Extra Savings from Ambit Energy
6 Energy Savings Strategies to Lower Your Electric Bill from Creative Savings Blog
20 Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill from CNY’s Xtreme Couponing -
Shop local.
Image via Rodale News
One of the biggest environmental costs for food is transportation. So whenever possible, why not try shopping local? It’s springtime, and farmers markets are opening up in cities across the country. Local Harvest keeps a directory of farms, CSAs and farmers markets around the United States, and you might be surprised what you find in your area!
If you’re new to the farmers market scene, you might feel a bit intimidated. After all, it’s totally different from our impersonal super markets! Try these guides to help you feel a bit more at home:
How to Master Your Local Farmers Market from Lauren Conrad
A Beginner’s Guide to the Farmers Market from Sparkpeople
8 Foods You Should Always Buy at the Farmers Market from Rodale News -
Conserve water (especially if you live in California!).
Image via Zero Waste Home
Last but not least, paying attention to your water consumption can make a big difference, whether your area is currently in a drought or not. According to the EPA, the average household uses more than 400 gallons per day. That’s a lot! Here are some tips to help you save money AND our most precious natural resource:
110+ Ways to Save Water from Sustainable Baby Steps
5 Simple Ways to Conserve Water for your Garden from Herbal Academy of NE
How to Conserve Water {In an Apartment} from CRAFT
3 Things You Can do to Save Water Using 3 Containers You Already Have from Zero Waste HomeAnd lastly, if you do any of these things already, or you’re planning to start, we’d like to say thank you for all you do to keep our planet green and beautiful for years to come.
