Sometimes it can feel like making a big impact is impossible, especially when it comes to doing your part to help out Mother Nature! Sure, you alone can’t solve all the world’s environmental problems. You can, however, do little things each day that can add up to a big change! Check out this list of 25 small things you can do for the environment. Do them yourself, then share with family, friends and coworkers so they can go green too!

  1. Compost – Put your food scraps (and more!) into a compost bin instead of the trash. Everything from food waste to grass cuttings to 100% cotton swabs can go into a compost bin instead of the trash. Some major cities will even give you a small compost bin for your countertop!
  2. Switch to a reusable water bottle – If you are someone who uses a plastic bottle every day, try switching it out for a multi-use version. Recycling plastic bottles is great, but you can go one step further by eliminating them from your daily routine altogether!
  3. Pick up trash – If every person picked up just one or two pieces of trash that they see on the sidewalk, imagine how big of an impact that would make!
  4. Keep leftover food packaging to reuse later – Some packaging that works great for this is glass or plastic jars, spice containers and luncheon meat containers. Think of them as free Tupperware!
  5. Put reusable bags in your car for grocery shopping – Instead of immediately reaching for the paper or plastic bags at the grocery store, bring your own! They’re more sturdy, customizable, and can even save you money in some states!
  6. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth – This might seem like a no-brainer to some people, but there’s no need to keep the water running while you’re brushing your teeth. Save water, and money on your bill too!
  7. Bring your own mug or tumbler for your morning coffee – If you make a stop every morning for a cup of joe, bring your own mug! Some coffee shops will even give you a discount for doing so.
  8. Go to the library for books instead of buying them new – Most of us will only read a book once, so why pay for it only to have it sit on a shelf? Go to your local public library the next time you need a new read! Your taxes pay for this, after all.
  9. Replace dryer sheets with a reusable wool ball – Not only are dryer sheets wasteful, but they can also actually clog up your dryer too! This natural alternative softens fabric, prevents static cling and can even reduce drying time.
  10. Use bar soap instead of body wash – While both of these do the same thing, body wash requires plastic packaging and in most cases a plastic loofah. Make the switch to bar soap and a washcloth which requires much less packaging, and can be cleaned and reused.
  11. Try out a reusable metal straw – Plastic straws are becoming a thing of the past in many states, but you can get ahead of the game by purchasing and using a metal straw now! Many sets will also come with a special cleaning tool to get all your smoothie bits out easily.
  12. Take a walk – Depending on what is close and accessible to your home, try and integrate a walk into one of your errands. If the drug store is within walking distance, make a plan to walk there next time instead of jumping in your car. Your body will thank you too!
  13. Wrap your presents in a present – Instead of purchasing gift wrap or a bag, wrap gifts in another gift. A great idea for this tip is to use a tote bag that corresponds with the gifts inside.
  14. Use a handkerchief – Especially useful for allergy sufferers, consider using a handkerchief instead of throwing away tissues. It’s good for the environment, and it’s softer on your nose too!
  15. Go paperless – If you don’t already receive your bills online, set it up! Most banks and utility companies will offer you this service, and it’ll also reduce the amount of money you spend on checks and postage.

While Earth Day is only once a year, every day we should be trying to do our part for environmental conservation. Changing your habits doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many small things you can do to limit your impact on the Earth, and hopefully, these have inspired you to make some simple changes in your life!