Ever since I took Environmental Science in high school, I have been aware of my actions in relation to the environment. I have made some simple switches in my life to be more “eco-friendly” and produce less waste. Not only does doing something good for the Earth make a positive impact on the world, it also makes yourself feel good! Â
- Using a bar of soap instead of body wash
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 If you look in your bathroom right now, there is probably plastic everywhere. Obviously this is hard to avoid, but a simple switch from that bottle of body wash to a soap bar can eliminate a small amount. I usually use Dove or other brands that use paper packaging that can easily be recycled.Â
- Bring Resuable Bags When You Go Shopping
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This is an easy switch to avoid using a ton of those plastic bags. I bring reusable bags everywhere, even to the mall, the grocery store, the farmers market, the library, and more! Plus you can buy some really cute bags to carry around, or you can just use what you already have!
- Using A Reusable Water Bottle
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This is another really easy switch that can reduce a lot of plastic waste. I try to avoid buying single-use plastic water bottles as much as I can, and I do this by bringing reusable water bottles everywhere. That way you won’t have to carry around a plastic water bottle that when you finish and throw away, will just end up in a landfill forever. So to avoid this, consider making your reusable water bottle your best friend that you bring everywhere.
- Buy Second Hand or Thrifting
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I not only love thrifting and shopping on apps such as Depop or Poshmark because it’s fun, but because it is actually eco-friendly. Fast fashion brands are very popular right now, because they make cheap clothes that happen to be trendy but are actually pretty low quality. For about the same prices, you can thrift some really cool items that come from well-known brands that are high quality. From my local consignment shop, I have purchased clothes by Levi’s, Adidas, Under Armour, Life is Good, L.L.Bean, and more!Â
 - Using a Cloth Towel instead of Paper Towels
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Again, another really easy switch to make that just reduces waste. Using a cloth towel that you can use multiple times just to wash it and using again is much better than using multiple paper towels just to throw them away after each use. Even in general, considering reusable versions of what is usually single-use will eliminate a lot of waste. I recently bought reusable plastic wrap and ziploc bags that are easy to use and wash!
- Eating Less Meat
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Believe it or not, but reducing your consumption of meat can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is better for the environment. I am trying to be better with this tip by choosing no meat or seafood options, but this one is definitely more difficult. I recommend trying eating less meat overall, because it really is effective and reduces Global Warming.Â
Even the smallest changes can make a difference, whether it’s recycling your yogurt cup or bringing a reusable cup to a Starbuck’s to use instead of a plastic cup. It’s a new year, and consider making these small switches to your lifestyle to feel better about how you live and show your love for our planet!