Concern over climate change and pollution continues to rise. Many people are searching for ways to improve sustainability in all aspects of their lives. The good news is that it isn’t difficult to make impactful changes without having to expend a lot of effort (or moolah). Read on to learn some easy ways to green up your home.

Waste Not

‘Waste not, want not’ is one of those pearls of wisdom that gets passed down through the generations for good reason. Using the things that you already have will cut down greatly on your carbon footprint. But before you toss all your plastic containers to make way for earth-friendly ones, use them until they are worn out. This principle goes well beyond your home. If you’re out shopping for gifts for parents, for school supplies, clothing or anything else, always look for a sustainable version.

Turn That Thermostat Down (or Up)

The luxury of climate control has made us complacent. The simple act of bumping the thermostat up in summer or down in winter by just 2 degrees can seriously shrink your energy consumption. Start small. Raise (or lower) the temp when you’re not at home. If you use a programmable thermostat, you can set it to revert to your usual temp before you return. Do the same while you sleep. If you want to take things a step further, try experiencing the new temperature while you’re up and about at home. You may find you adjust to the new setting very easily.

Reuse & Repurpose

Another simple way to downsize your impact on the environment is to reuse containers that come into your possession through ordinary purchases. No need to run out and buy a whole bunch of fancy glass containers. Anytime you get something that comes in a glass jar, wash it out and keep it. Reusables are great for so many things: store dry items such as rice or pasta in them. Jars are also great for leftovers. Turn them into shabby-chic flower vases, or make homemade jam or pickles in them. Repurposed jars are perfect for giving away too.

Catalogue Disposables

Single-use items figure more prominently in our day-to-day lives than most of us realize. Track your disposable usage, then seek out eco alternatives. Cloth napkins easily replace paper, dish towels or cloth rags substitute for paper towels, and bandanas revert to their original use as washable handkerchiefs.

Only Buy What You Need

Whether it be food, lunch bags, or household goods that you stock up and then forget about, buying too much results in a lot of waste. Green up your household by buying only what you need. If you shop at big box stores, have an action plan for the fresh produce so it gets used or preserved before it spoils.

Shop Secondhand

Another easy way to increase your green footprint is by buying things secondhand. Furniture and home decor, not to mention clothes and kids’ stuff, can all be found at consignment shops. There is an amazing amount of useful gear out there going to waste simply because someone got bored with it, changed their mind, outgrew it, or decided it was no longer trendy. Cut down on landfill and reduce the demand for new by adopting this sustainable habit.

Try Gardening

Growing your own food is a fun, practical, and incredibly satisfying pastime. Start with a few pots of herbs on the windowsill, then maybe try a window box of lettuce or a hanging upside-down tomato planter. Once you get the hang of it (pun intended), you might want to consider more involved systems, like hydroponic towers.

Greening up your home doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Even one small change can really make a difference. Start today.