30 Simple Habits for Earth Day

I care about the environment, and I try to adopt practices and a lifestyle that resonates with that value.  It’s easy to be and think green on Earth Day, but perhaps more importantly are the things that you do 24/7/365.

Here are 30 easy ways that you can incorporate green into your life all year long:

1. Turn off lights when not in use
2. Substitute lower wattage lights where you can
3. Wear clothes more than once
4. Wash clothes in cold water
5. Turn your thermostat down a notch or two, and wear a sweater inside
6. Conserve on gas by combining errands to make one trip, instead of making several
7. Recycle!
8. Dispose of hazard materials properly and safely
9. Patronize companies and brands that DO NOT test on animals, and that have green initiatives
10. Walk or bike instead of driving (saves on gas and is healthier, too!)
11. Compost – it’s a whole lot easier than it used to be
12. Take your own reusable bags with you when you go shopping (keep one or two in the car so you always have one handy)
13. Let go of the “disposable lifestyle” and re-use whenever possible
14. Pass on toys, clothing, and household goods to someone who needs them
15. Use a Sigg bottle to carry water with you
16. Reduce or eliminate chemical use in household cleaning, and look for green alternatives
17. Use public transportation or carpool
18. Write a letter or sign a petition for an important conservation cause
19. Eat local when ever you can (consuming food that was grown less than 50 miles from your home)
20. Grow a vegetable garden
21. Use (and reuse when possible) cloth napkins rather than paper
22. Buy green and organic cosmetic items
23. Learn to make homemade beauty products
24. Plant a tree
25. Don’t print out something unless it’s absolutely necessary
26. If a new car is in your future, consider a hybrid
27. Don’t let the water run when you’re brushing teeth
28. Stop smoking!  Helps keep the air and your lungs cleans.
29. Buy appliances with the energy star
30. Donate to green causes

What can you do to make the world a little greener – every single day of the year?

Photo credit: SXC