Looking to green your lifestyle? We know that going green can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, pricey solar panels and electric cars (though still wonderful options!) are not the only way you can live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle this spring. By making simple, yet consistent changes to your daily routine, you’ll be able to improve your life — and our planet. Take the first step this Earth Day and learn about all of the ways you can positively impact the Earth. After all, “no snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.”

Green Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

This weekend, spend some time honoring the planet that has truly given us everything we have today! Whether you’re interested in protecting the environment or admiring its beauty, here are a few environmentally-centered activities to partake in.

Visit a Farmer’s Market

If you’re looking for food that tastes great, is better for the environment, and supports local businesses, look no further than your friendly neighborhood farmer’s market. It’s no surprise that fruit tastes the best right after it’s picked, so local farms tend to have the freshest produce. And, when your food doesn’t have to travel to get to you, you protect the Earth from harmful car and truck emissions. Take it a step further and ride your bike or walk there.

Start Your Own Home Garden

Have your very own “farmer’s market” in your backyard by starting a garden. When you have a fruit or vegetable garden, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body - food that is rid of chemicals, pesticides, and best of all is free! Gardening is also great for your body and helps keep you in shape.

Plant a Tree

Whether it’s in your own backyard or a local park in your neighborhood, planting a tree helps to combat climate change, clean the air, and provide shade. Well manicured lawns with lots of trees also increase the value of your property, so if you’re thinking of moving, head to the nursery!

Take a Hike (Literally)

Sure, Earth Day is about promoting a sustainable lifestyle, but it’s also about enjoying all that the Earth has to offer. Whether you live in the mountains of Colorado or the flatlands of Long Island, go for a hike with someone you love.

Take a Nature Class

If you’ve ever been mesmerized by shows like “Man vs. Wild” or “Survivorman,” channel your inner “Survivor” and take a nature class. While we don’t think you need to take it quite as far as some of these shows, it’s always fun to learn more about nature and basic survival skills.

Start to Compost

Having your own compost gives you numerous benefits: you’ll save money, time, resources, and reduce your impact on the world.

Take Part in “The Big Turn-Off”

This may be the only turn-off that you actually like. This Earth Day, unplug from all of your electronic devices. That means no lights, computers, phones, or even the microwave for one day (or at least one hour for those of you who can’t do the entire day). It may seem small, but imagine how much energy would be saved if all 300 million people in the United States, or all 7 billion people in the world, did this.

Tips and Tricks for Living More Eco-Friendly

Environmental consciousness doesn’t have to end just because Earth Day does. Live every day like it’s Earth Day by making these small, but impactful changes.

Carpool

Do you have a co-worker that only lives a few blocks away from you? Limit car emissions by carpooling to and from work. Plus - imagine how much less traffic there would be if everyone started carpooling more?

Prevent “Phantom Energy” Suckers

Did you know that even when your phone isn’t plugged into your charger or your TV isn’t on, it still uses energy? These little suckers not only waste power, but they’ll drive up your energy bill. So the next time you go out for the entire day or weekend, unplug a few of your larger appliances.

Switch to Electronic Filing

Electronic filing is fast, free, convenient, and has fewer negative effects on the environment than paper filing. It’s also much safer and more difficult to lose important documents.

Stop Using Paper Plates, Napkins, and Utensils

It takes up to 12 gallons of water to produce 22, 10-inch paper plates. Paper plates often can’t be recycled because the petroleum-based wax that they are coated in isn’t recyclable. Switching to reusable dinnerware will not only cut down tremendously on unnecessary waste, but it will also help protect your bank account, since reusable materials are less expensive over a lifetime.

Use Earth Friendly Cleaning Products

Both inside your house and outside, choose cleaning products that are chemical free. For inside the home, make sure you always have an organic cleaner’s go-to ingredients: baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil. You can even keep your vegetable or flower garden free of insects with homemade, organic pesticide sprays.

As you go through Earth Day, remember to keep this simple idea in your mind - “I don’t want to protect the environment. I want to create a world where the environment doesn't need protecting.” - Unknown