Things you can do to be more eco-friendly
Basic guide to get your creative eco-friendly brain juices going….
Looking to reduce your environmental impact but not sure where to start? Here’s a straightforward guide to help you build eco-conscious habits. These everyday actions may seem small, but over time, they can make a real difference.
1. Recycle More Than Just Plastic
Recycling goes beyond tossing plastic bottles into the blue bin. Many everyday items are recyclable, but often get overlooked. Here’s a quick list to consider:
• Plastic containers and bottles
• Aluminum cans and tin foil
• Glass jars and bottles
• Old clothing and T-shirts (repurpose or donate)
• Organic food waste (great for composting)
If you haven’t tried composting yet, it’s a simple way to reduce food waste. Whether you use a countertop bin or a backyard pile, composting helps return nutrients to the earth and cuts down on landfill mass.
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2. Save Water with Easy Habits
One of the easiest ways to be more eco-friendly is to save water. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Capture cold water from your shower as it heats up, and reuse it to water plants or clean surfaces.
Also, using a dishwasher (especially an energy-efficient model) can save more water than washing dishes by hand.
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3. Donate Instead of Dumping
Before you throw something out, consider whether it can serve someone else. Old clothes, furniture, and electronics can often be donated or given away for free using apps like OfferUp, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups.
Donating keeps usable items out of landfills and helps people in need. It’s a win for everyone, including the planet.
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4. Bring Your Own Bags — and Reuse What You Forget
Plastic bags are one of the most common single-use pollutants. Carrying a few reusable cloth or paper bags with you can significantly reduce waste. Many stores now charge for plastic bags, which is all the more reason to bring your own.
If you do end up with a few plastic bags, don’t toss them right away. They can be reused for lining trash bins, cleaning up pet waste, or storing items at home.
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5. Cook More, Waste Less
Making your own meals at home helps you reduce packaging waste, save money, and control what goes into your food. Cooking in bulk is especially eco-friendly—it uses fewer resources over time and minimizes repeated packaging waste.
Consider using sustainable storage alternatives such as:
• Glass jars or mason jars
• Silicone reusable bags
• Beeswax food wraps
• Mesh produce bags
• Nut milk bags for homemade plant-based milk or straining juices
Preparing meals in advance can help you stay organized while also supporting a lower-waste lifestyle.
Eco-friendly living doesn’t require perfection. It’s about making small, mindful choices that benefit both you and the environment. Start with a few of these simple habits and build from there.
Every step matters, and the impact adds up over time.