Use a bamboo toothbrush or bamboo replacement head

Bamboo is naturally biodegradable and compostable. It's a great alternative to the estimated 50 million pounds a year of plastic waste solely from toothbrushes.

Turn off the tap while brushing

Switch off the tap water while brushing your teeth and save up to 8 gallons of water per day.

Handy Tip: Use less toothpaste

The CDC and American Dental Association recommend a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for people over 3 years old. Using this amount will extend the life of your tube.

Use bar body and hand soap

Liquid soaps carry a heavy eco-load. Bar soaps can lighten it. They reduce plastic waste in landfills and cut the carbon emissions of transporting liquid weight. Nowadays, there are even bar soaps that can easily be turned into liquid soap!

Handy Tip: Spend less time in the shower

We all love a nice long shower, but consider reducing it to save some water. According to the EPA, every minute saves, on average, 2 gallons of water!

Switch from a disposable to a reusable razor

Reduce waste overall by going reusable. Even if disposable razors are made from recycled plastic, some of the  plastic ends up in landfills. Reusable razors also tend to be sharper and give a better-quality shave! 

Use reusable cotton rounds

Many of us rely on cotton rounds for removing makeup or applying toners and moisturizers. Try out a reusable option to reduce bathroom waste.

Switch from virgin to recycled content toilet paper

Creating toilet paper is a highly intensive process requiring large equipment, removal of trees, and lots of water for processes. Switching to recycled toilet paper can reduce this impact.

Handy Tip: Use less dish soap

Washing dishes by hand? Most dish soap comes highly concentrated. 1-2 drops can wash an entire pan! Conserve the use of your dish soap, which will not only reduce waste but save you money!

Use more sustainably-packaged detergent

Look for dishwasher detergent, whether powder or pods, that has fewer chemicals and plastic-free packaging. Reduce waste without sacrificing performance.

Use a dishwasher instead of handwashing

It may not seem like it, but using a dishwasher is oftentimes the more sustainable option compared to handwashing! Save time and water by running a fully-loaded dishwasher.

Handy Tip: Run your dishwasher when it’s full

Most modern dishwashers aren’t phased by dried-on food. Wait to run your dishwasher until it’s full to optimize energy and water usage.

Stop pre-rinsing

Most dishwashers are designed to remove food waste. Save yourself time, money, and water by not pre-rinsing your dishes.

Eat your leftovers, or cook less food

While it may seem small, the majority of leftovers go to waste. Before cooking, either right-size your meal so no leftovers are created, or store and eat your leftovers instead of throwing them away or composting them.

Reduce red meat consumption

Reducing the amount of red meat we eat can save carbon emissions, reduce soil degradation, and improve biodiversity. Generally, chicken is the most sustainable meat option.

Use compostable baggies

Looking for a more sustainable option for disposable plastic baggies? Try switching to a compostable alternative. Instead of throwing these in the trash, you can put them in your backyard or commercial composting.

Use compostable wrap

Looking for a more sustainable option for disposable plastic wrap? Try switching to a compostable alternative.

Buy recycled content, compostable parchment paper

For any cooking 400oF and below, use parchment paper instead of aluminum to line your pans. Many brands are compostable after use. 

Purchase clothing from a thrift store

Thrifting is a great way to reduce your footprint, while often finding clothes at a much more affordable price. Both in-person and online thrift stores exist, and many sell high-end items with the tags still on!

Purchase clothing from sustainable brands

Some clothing brands consider sustainability more than others. Try to avoid fast fashion brands and focus on durable, classic clothes that will stand the test of time.

Use sustainably-sourced sheets

Looking for new sheets? Many brands offer sustainable bedding options that use organic, natural materials and do not use any harmful chemicals.

Carpool

Carpooling reduces the number of cars on the road, and the emission of harmful pollutants. It has the added benefit of reducing traffic congestion.

Wash your car where water used is recycled

Automated car washes are much more water-efficient than manual. Many modern car washes use a recycle system to use the same water over and over again.

Water lawn and garden early in the morning

In most parts of the country, it is best to water your lawn and garden in the early morning before the sun rises. This allows the water to absorb into the soil with limited evaporation.

Switch from virgin to recycled content paper towels

Paper towels have a huge footprint when they are made from 100% virgin fiber. Look for labels that indicate the paper towels are made from recycled content.

Compost yard waste

Whether it’s your grass clippings or fallen leaves, compost your yard waste instead of throwing it away. Many cities have programs specifically for yard waste, so check your local provider to see their specifications for pick-up!

Use compostable doggie bags

Instead of relying on plastic doggie bags, switch to a compostable alternative. Many brands are backyard compostable.

Switch from virgin to recycled content facial tissue

Facial tissues made of 100% virgin fiber have a big impact. Many brands now offer facial tissue made from 100% recycled materials.

Handy Tip: Save magazines, newspapers, and cardboard for crafts

Magazines and newspapers can offer great ways to reuse images and paper for craft projects. Cardboard boxes are perfect for protecting surfaces during art projects.

Host a toy/clothes swap with friends

Do you have friends that are also building families? Consider hosting a toy and clothes swap. This gives new life to clothes and toys some kids may have outgrown.

Buy clothing resale

Babies grow quickly, which means they move from one size of clothing to the next in a matter of months. Instead of buying new clothes, save money and reduce waste by purchasing resale.

Operate your dryer efficiently

Fine tune your drying habits for big benefits. Get high tumble dryer efficiency by cleaning the lint trap after each use, drying multiple loads in a row, consolidating loads, and drying on the low setting.

Wash with cold water

Heating water is 90% of the cost of using a washing machine. Switch to cold! Most modern detergents are specially formulated to knock out stains in cold water.

Use concentrated laundry detergent

Conserve water while cutting CO2 emissions just from reduced packaging alone! Concentrates have 50% less water and 75% lighter shipping weights.

Handy Tip: Wash with bigger loads

Fill that washing machine up! It takes as much energy to run a full washer as a small load. Get the most bang for your buck!

Install blinds or window coverings

According to the Department of Energy, 30% of our home’s heating energy is lost through the windows. Cellular shades, reflective blinds, roman shades, and drapes are all options depending on your home’s needs.

Borrow library books

According to TRVST, an estimated 320 million books end up in our landfills each year. Most libraries lend both printed books, e-books, and audiobooks for free. Check out your local library!

Print in black and white

While black and color cartridges have the same physical waste generation, it takes more ink to print in color. Reduce landfill waste by printing in black and white.

Use recycled copy paper

Recycled paper saves resources and produces fewer carbon emissions during production.

Handy Tip: Keep it digital

Stop before you print! Think – do you need to print this item out, or can you keep only the digital copy?

Purchase plastic-free tampons and sanitary pads

Plastic-free tampons and sanitary pads not only reduce plastic waste, they also are often free from dyes, bleach, and other chemicals that can be harmful for the environment and your body.

Use energy-efficient lightbulbs

One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs is upgrading your lights to use LEDs. According to the Department of Energy, LEDs, especially Energy Star rated products, use 75% less energy and last up to 25x longer.

Handy Tip: Pee in the shower

Save on water and toilet paper by peeing in the shower. It may not sound like much, but over the course of a year, IFL Science estimates that a daily showerer could save as much as 579 gallons of water!

Use a bamboo toothbrush or bamboo replacement head with biodegradable bristles

Lean into biodegradable bamboo even further and counter the adverse emissions of nitrous oxide that come with manufacturing nylon. Nitrous oxide is 310 times more potent than CO2. Nylon production is also an energy- and water-intensive process.

Use bamboo or silk floss in a reusable container

Follow ADA guidelines to floss daily and do it with plastic-free floss. Made with bio-based materials like silk or bamboo and packaged in glass, this floss reduces landfill waste and microplastics in waterways.

Use toothpaste in a recyclable tube

Mainstream toothpaste companies are beginning to move to recyclable toothpaste tubes made from the most recyclable type of plastic. You can continue to use brands you love, while knowing you’re reducing waste sent to the landfill.

Use a bidet and recycled toilet paper

Bidets are widely popular internationally and are catching on quickly in the U.S. They keep you clean and dramatically reduce the amount of toilet paper you have to use.

Use bar shampoo and conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner bars are fast becoming more popular. They are a great option for reducing waste and limiting potentially harmful chemicals. You also won’t have to worry about liquids restrictions for travelling! 

Use sustainably-packaged facial cleansers and moisturizers

Pamper your face without plastic packaging.  Today's market offers many sustainable and allergen-free alternatives that can help you reduce plastic packaging while maintaining your glow.

Use a dish soap bar

We use bar soap to wash our hands, why not our dishes? These bars not only reduce plastic waste, but they often last 2-3x as long as a bottle of traditional dish soap.

Use a more sustainable dish brush

Consider switching to a plastic-free or zero-waste dish brush once your current brush kicks the bucket. These brushes reduce the introduction of microplastics to our waterways and many are able to be composted at end of life.

Use a lotion bar

Bars are a more concentrated version of your favorite lotion, without the waste. The highly moisturizing ingredients make them especially great for those in dry places.

Use reusable swabs

Removing makeup or cleaning your ears? Try out a reusable swab that can replace single-use cotton swabs and are recyclable at end-of-life.

Turn off the tap while washing dishes

Kitchen sinks use an average of 2 gallons per minute while running. If you need to handwash dishes, consider turning the tap off while washing, and only turning it on to rinse.

Handy Tip: Reduce toilet flushing

Have you heard the phrase: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow?" With no solid waste in the toilet, consider waiting to flush. The EPA estimates that the average toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Just think - 50% fewer flushes in the US would save around 1.3 billion gallons of water each year (assuming 5 toilet uses per person per day).

Do "Meatless Mondays"

According to UC Boulder, not eating meat one day per week can reduce your carbon emissions associated with food by 15%. It’s also a fun way to try new vegetarian recipes!

Use reusable baggies

Instead of relying on disposable baggies, try out reusable alternatives. These not only reduce waste, they can save you money over the long-term.

Use reusable containers

Reusable containers are great for storing leftovers, and for packing with you on the go. Just toss them in the dishwasher when you’re finished!

Use reusable wrap

Instead of relying on disposable plastic wrap, try out reusable alternatives.

Buy from bulk food stores

Food packaging can add a lot of volume to your kitchen trash can. Look for local bulk food stores or farmers markets where you can limit single-use packaging and still get fresh, healthy food!

Use reusable paper towels and napkins

Cloth napkins or paper towels are a great way to reduce paper waste in the kitchen, especially if they are made from repurposed cloth (e.g., old clothes, sheets). These can be thrown into your regular laundry loads for easy washing.

Handy Tip: Compost your paper products

Parchment paper or paper towels that only have food waste can be thrown in your backyard or commercial compost to redirect from the landfill.

Purchase refurbished shoes

Did you know that many brands refurbish previously owned shoes? Gently used or like-new shoes help keep good quality footwear out of landfills.

Use a more sustainable mattress

When your current mattress wears out and you’re ready for a new one, consider purchasing a mattress made of more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, and with fewer potentially harmful chemicals.

Ride a bike

Riding a bike, especially in a bike-friendly city, is a pollution-free method of transportation. According to the EPA, an average car emits around 4.6 tonnes of CO2 each year; biking when possible could decrease that significantly.

Take public transportation

According to the EPA, taking public transportation can reduce carbon emissions by 45%. Where possible, try to take a train or a bus instead of driving your car.

Handy Tip: Grow a pollinator garden

Pollinators are essential for over 80% of the world’s plants to reproduce. Help support their populations by growing plants that provide them nourishment.

Garden with native plants

Gardening with plants that are well-suited to your environment require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides to stay healthy.

Use rain barrels

Rain barrels are a great way to store rainwater that falls on your roof. The water can be used for gardening or tending your lawn. But be aware – some states and cities have regulations around rain barrel use, so be sure to check out your local guidelines.

Use biodegradable cat litter

Traditional clay cat litter is not biodegradable. Using a more sustainable alternative is a better choice for the environment and can even be composted!

Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets

Get a double win! Reduce waste and chemical use and exposure by replacing standard single-use dryer sheets with reusable wool dryer balls.

Make your own craft dough

Get hands-on with your kids and make your own craft dough at home! Keeping it in reusable containers reduces plastic waste.

Recycle old crayons

Each year, millions of crayons are thrown away. There are several initiatives that collect and recycle old crayons to give them a new life.

Use glass baby bottles

Reduce plastic by using glass baby bottles with silicone nipples and refillable squeeze pouches. These reduce chemical exposure, are easy to clean, and reduce plastic waste.

Use reusable nursing pads

Reusable nursing pads not only reduce waste from one-time use pads, they also save you money in the long-run.

Use detergent with paper packaging

Whether a powder or liquid concentrate, use a detergent packaged in recycled paper or cardboard to reduce plastic waste.

Use a plastic-free stain remover

Rather than relying on a liquid, plastic-packaged stain remover, using a stain remover stick with sustainable packaging will reduce waste sent to a landfill and decrease your carbon footprint.

Adjust thermostat based on season

Raising the thermostat in the summer and lowering it in the winter can have a significant impact on energy consumption. When you’re asleep or away from home, consider lowering it by 7-10oF.

Purchase used books

According to the Hand Me Down Book Club, a used book results in around 20% of the emissions of buying new. Each time we keep that book in circulation, we can reduce the need to create more waste and chop down trees.

Handy Tip: Print on both sides of the paper

Printing on both sides of the paper rather than single-sided means you use half the paper!

Send e-cards instead of paper cards

Do you love to send cards for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions? Consider sending an e-card instead of a paper card. This reduces waste, and can save you money if you use a free e-card site!

Use period underwear or reusable pads

Do you prefer pads to tampons? Period underwear or reusable pads are a low-waste alternative and can be easily washed as part of your regular laundry loads.

Turn off lights not in use

Turning off lights when not in use is a simple but effective way to save on power. Compact fluorescent lights should be turned off if you will be away for more than 15 minutes. All others should be turned off for any time away.

Unplug devices not in use

The Department of Energy estimates devices that are on stand-by account for 5-10% of residential power. If US households reduced their power consumption by 10%, it would save 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Use mouthwash tablets

Mouthwash tablets in eco-friendly packaging help reduce plastic waste. Use them to cut carbon emissions, too, since they are lighter and more compact to transport than liquid mouthwash.

Switch to a forever toothbrush

Use a sustainable toothbrush that only goes through manufacturing once. According to MYSA, 50% of all impacts of a manual toothbrush come from manufacturing and distribution.

Use toothpaste tablets

10% of toothpaste never makes it out of the tube. Switch to toothpaste tablets to eliminate product waste and reduce landfill waste from toothpaste tubes.

Use low-waste deodorant

Who knew there are so many low-waste deodorant options out there? Finding the right one can be a challenge. But once you do, this is a great way to reduce plastic waste.

Handy Tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen

Sun protection is extremely important, but so are our oceans. Protect your skin while protecting marine life by using reef-safe sunscreen. Many major brands produce reef-safe alternatives that are available in their online stores.

Use a bidet and reusable toilet paper

What’s better than the impact of using a bidet alone? Combining it with reusable toilet paper, especially if you’re going #1. No need to purchase, just repurpose some old clothing or sheets and toss into your laundry after use.

Recycle old shoes

Many recycling centers and shoe stores take back old or unwanted shoes. Instead of sending them to a landfill, look for a recycling location near you!

Donate your old eyeglasses

Don’t throw away your old eyeglasses! Ask your eye doctor if they collect old glasses; many do and share them with charities. In addition, some recycling centers will accept old eyeglasses.

Walk!

Easier in some neighborhoods than others, consider walking if your destination is within a mile or two, especially if the weather is nice.

Drive an energy-efficient vehicle

If you’re looking to purchase a new vehicle, consider getting one with great gas mileage, or even an electric vehicle. If you do purchase an electric vehicle, make sure your local grid is working towards renewable electricity.

Eat seafood sustainably

Seafood is often produced in ways that are harmful to the long-term health of the species and their ecosystem. Use tools such as Seafood Watch to make sure you’re consuming from a responsible source.

Become vegetarian or vegan

Becoming vegetarian or vegan is a big lifestyle change, but it is one of the most impactful ways an individual can help the environment. It greatly reduces the amount of land, water, and emissions associated with food production.

Grow your own food and herbs

Growing your own produce not only saves you money, it is a great way to have healthy food on-hand. Even if you don’t have a yard, hydroponic methods are improving indoor and vertical growing.

Use a lawn alternative

Grass lawns aren’t the best option for the environment – they are difficult to maintain in most places. Consider a lawn alternative such as clover, aggregates, or mulch. Keep in mind, the best alternative depends on where you live.

Make your own purees

Instead of relying on store-bought baby food, consider making your own purees. This gives you full control of the food your baby eats, and reduces waste from packaging.

Use cloth diapers

A disposable diaper can take up to 500 years to decompose, and a baby can use 8-10 diapers per day. Cloth diapers divert this waste from the landfill. Even using cloth diapers only part of the time can have a big impact!

Use cloth wipes

Instead of relying solely on disposable wipes, consider using cloth wipes when you’re at home to reduce waste and save you money.

Bring your own container for restaurant leftovers or food shopping

Going to a restaurant or to a grocery store? Consider bringing your own container with you. Reduce your waste, whether it’s taking home your leftovers, or packaging up your purchases from the meat counter.

Compost food waste

According to Feeding America, nearly 40% of all food in the US is wasted; redirect any of your own food waste to the compost where possible. In many cities, there’s no need to do it yourself; more and more places offer commercial composting for your convenience.

Line dry some, more, or all of your clothes

The biggest gain is in the air. Line or air dry clothes to reduce energy use and ditch the use of dryer sheets or dryer balls. Plus, you will eliminate the shedding of microfibers from the electric dryer process.

Handy Tip: Preserve the life of your clothes

Your clothes will thank you for line or air drying. They last longer the less time they spend in the dryer. You save money on replacements while also reducing waste.

Go zero-waste with laundry sheets or strips

Turn clothes washing into a zero-waste activity by eliminating plastic packaging and drastically reducing paper packaging.

Install a smart thermostat

If you’re looking to set it and forget it, a smart thermostat could be for you. It takes the guesswork out of efficient heating and cooling and can reduce energy bills.

Use refillable pens

According to Treehugger, refillable pens can reduce waste by as much as 50%; instead of discarding the entire pen, you can just replace the ink cartridge inside.

Use a menstrual cup

Menstrual cups are not only eco-friendly, they can save you a lot of money! With a lifetime of 10 years, this method of period management is a great way to help the earth and your wallet.

Wash delicates and synthetics in a washing bag

Using a mesh bag for delicate fabrics extends the life of your clothes, reducing waste and saving you money. Some washing bags are even designed to prevent microplastics from clothes washing to enter the environment.

Install occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensors can be a great way to turn on and off lights, especially in high-traffic areas like mudrooms and bathrooms.

Install smart plugs

Forgot to turn off an appliance or a light? No problem! Smart plugs are a great way to remotely control your home electronics.