Do you feel a pang of regret when you have to toss that wilting bag of spring mix or the lemons you swear you bought just a few days ago? Learning how to properly store your fresh produce so it lasts longer will benefit both nature and your wallet.

Plastic cutlery, straws, cling wrap and sandwich bags can all be swapped for reusable and eco-friendly alternatives. Bamboo utensils, metal straws, beeswax wraps and cloth snack bags are just a few options that will help you break the habit of plastic overconsumption.

Taking advantage of city bikes, buses, subways, trains and streetcars can help minimize your carbon footprint. Where to begin? Before ordering an uber or hopping into your own car, see if you can take public transit instead—especially for long commutes or non-urgent errands.

Even high efficiency washing machines can use up to 27 gallons of water per load. To cut down on your household water use, stick to washing the essentials. This means tossing your sweaty gym clothes and undergarments in the bin, but holding off on the denim jeans or sweatshirt you wore for only a few hours. 

According to a study by NRDC, idle load electricity accounts for nearly a quarter of power consumption in the average household. Certain electronics, such as computers in sleep mode, speakers, TVs, and even some electrical outlets, can suck up energy when you think they're off. To minimize this, try using power strips, timers, and the built-in power saving settings on your devices.

Prepping your meals ahead of time is a great way to reduce food waste. Try reserving a few hours every weekend for cooking and meal-prepping, and see how planning your meals ahead can have a positive impact on your mood, your health, your wallet and the planet!

These days, it’s common to replace broken items instead of getting them fixed. From kitchen appliances to clothes and furniture, call a mechanic or seamstress before clicking “add to cart”. Repairing your broken items will help extend their life, reducing waste and saving your wallet!

Twenty billion disposable menstrual products are discarded each year in the US alone. Sanitary pads, which are the most common product used globally, can contain up to 90% plastic. Using eco-friendly menstrual cups, period undies, and reusable cotton pads can all help reduce the plastic that is thrown into the bin during your period.

Take a few hours (or a day) to clean out your closet, making a donation pile for the items you haven't worn in at least a year. Clothes, shoes, jackets and jewelry can all be donated to local charities or secondhand shops that divert waste from landfills. 

There are many ways you can incorporate renewable energy with your lifestyle. Driving an electric vehicle, signing up for solar panels, opting into green energy programs (if your utility offers one), and swapping for LED light bulbs are just a few great ways to green up your energy usage.

Believe it or not, you don’t need a large following to be an environmental activist! Educating yourself through research, attending peaceful protests, donating money and reaching out to your local representative are all great ways to be an eco-activist in your community.

Conducting a simple trash audit for a whole week can help you understand just how much garbage you’re producing. Record your trash each day and when the week is up, take note of where you could improve. Just one simple sustainable swap could make a big difference!

Prominent eco-activists provide a wealth of knowledge through websites, documentaries and books. Jane Goodall, David Attenborough, Paul Hawken and Greta Thunberg are all fantastic environmental activists that you can learn from.  

Digital options for bank statements, newspapers, magazines and tickets are available for those who prefer to go paperless. There are also online resources you can use to have your name removed from mailing lists. Reducing the paper in your mailbox is an easy way to save trees!

Volunteering at local environmental restoration events is a great way to expand your social circle, get active, and of course, help the environment! Google local environmental organizations to find an event near you.

If you’re unable to volunteer your time, donate to an organization that is doing great work. Naturally, our favorite recommendation is to plant a tree with us! Every tree planted is an investment in the future—nurturing the planet, protecting life, and inspiring hope for generations to come.

Did you know that swapping out the milk in your morning cereal can have a positive environmental impact? According to a study conducted by WRI, "plant-based milks on average generate roughly one-third or less of the greenhouse gas emissions of cow’s milk, and most use considerably less water." The best options? Pea protein milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk.

Do you keep the water running when you brush your teeth, or leave the lights on when you leave a room? Try to notice the things you may be unconsciously doing, that waste energy and resources. And don't beat yourself up too much; you're far from alone!

You don’t need to be a teacher to help kids learn about climate change and sustainability! Watch educational documentaries, read books, and discuss important environmental topics with your kids or young relatives to teach them how they can work toward a greener future. 

You may already know that taking shorter showers and reducing the amount of laundry you wash can help you reduce your household water use. But did you know that eating less meat also reduces your personal water footprint? Swap your burger for a grain bowl the next time you’d like to make an eco-friendly choice! 

Put your money where your mouth is and invest in a greener future! You can do this by buying renewable energy stocks from companies that use wind, solar and hydroelectric sources. With the world moving away from carbon-based fossil fuels, investing in clean energy is a wise move for your portfolio and the planet.

If you’ve noticed that your favorite brands have unsustainable business practices, you can help change their ways! When enough people show their desire for eco-friendly products, brands are more likely to consider changing to keep their customers happy. Don’t be afraid to send that email and start a conversation!