Is it really that hard to be more eco-friendly? No it’s not. Simple switches that really will not add any extra labor on your part can make all the difference. And what better time to start than in April. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire people to take action to protect our planet. But good for you for doing some research regardless of the month!

Remember, this doesn’t have to be a super-self-serious effort. Don’t get me wrong, this topic is essential and important. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy learning these new skills or have fun getting involved with nature as you pursue this new norm. As this article by Anne and Carl Deane shows, even essential topics like land conservation can be a wonderful and nourishing effort to focus on.

Here are some sustainability tips that you can implement in your daily life to contribute to a greener world:

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

The three R’s? For being more eco-friendly? Groundbreaking. We all learned this in second grade so there’s nothing new here. Bring your own reusable bag for grocery shopping, recycle your soda can, and don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth. Simple.

Switch to Bamboo Products

There are a variety of eco-friendly products available that can replace traditional, less sustainable products. For example, you can switch to bamboo products, like bamboo toothbrushes, utensils, or even clothes as they are biodegradable and compostable. Bamboo is also the most renewable resource in the world! This means it is also a great wood and paper alternative. Consider switching to bamboo paper towels, bamboo toilet paper, and the next time you update the floors in your house, use engineered bamboo hardwood! This ensures that those trees that took decades to grow can keep growing.

Save Energy with OhmConnect

One of the easiest ways to save energy is to turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when they are not in use. Consider using energy-efficient light bulbs, and set your thermostat to conserve energy. But isn’t it more fun when you get rewarded for doing these things? Connect your utility bill to OhmConnect and cash out your energy saving ways to PayPal or to other gift cards! This is only for eligible California utilities (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York Con Edison customers, and friends in Texas who can choose their own electricity provider.

Conserve Water

You can conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and using water-efficient appliances. And if you have house plants, collect your shower water in a bucket while it’s heating up and use it to water your plants.

Plant Indigenous Plants in Your Yard

Planting trees is a great way to give back to the environment. But even more so is planting plants that are specific to your area’s habitat! Every part of the world has its own little biodiverse environment. Making your front and back yard a continuation of the environment is a great way to offset the urbanization of your city.

Drink Fair Trade Shade-Grown Coffee

Fair trade practices promote sustainable farming methods that minimize harm to the environment. Additionally, fair trade coffee is typically shade-grown, which helps to protect and preserve natural habitats and biodiversity. This is because instead of cutting down the forest to make coffee fields, these fields are made without cutting the trees down. Hence why it’s called “shade-grown”. And since shade-grown coffee usually takes longer to grow since it isn’t in direct sunlight, it actually produces a richer, more flavorful bean! Meaning your morning cup of joe is even that much better.

Support Sustainable Businesses

Look for companies that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. These businesses often use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and minimize their carbon footprint. Companies like Eminence for skin care, SunBum for sun care, and EcoRoots for home and bath products are just a few.

Reduce Meat Consumption

The production of meat is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Consider reducing your meat consumption or trying plant-based alternatives.

Switch to Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

That’s right – it’s not just about keeping the land critters happy, but the ocean’s as well. Hawaii has some of the strictest laws when it comes to sunscreen sales. As of January 2021, they have banned the sales of sunscreen containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. This is a great step to ensuring sunscreen brands start gravitating towards more “reef friendly” materials. SunBum is definitely the brand that is leading this charge! Read more about what they are doing to protect the reefs with their sunscreen.

These are just a few of the many things you can do to be more eco-friendly in your daily life. By making small changes and being mindful of our impact on the environment, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.  Learning from eco-friendly champions like Stephen Troese Jr is a great way to find out some habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to amplify your sustainable efforts. These trailblazers set an example by embracing green practices and making conscious choices that reduce their environmental impact. From reducing waste to adopting renewable energy sources, these champions showcase diverse ways to tread lightly on the planet. By keeping an eye on their initiatives, you can gain insights, discover practical tips, and stay motivated on your path to becoming more eco-friendly.