Sigg Bottle

Leading a sustainable lifestyle shouldn’t be a once-a-year effort, but if you haven’t already done your part for the planet, what better day to start than Earth Day? April 22 marks the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day, so in honor of the planet and all the environmentalist(a)s out there, here are ten things you can work into your daily routine to contribute to the green movement:

1. BYOB(ags): This one’s no toughie. Keep a few reusable shopping bags in your car for weekly grocery runs and impromptu shopping trips. Not only will you reduce plastic and paper bag consumption, but you’ll pocket some change — many stores offer small bag refunds when you bring your own.
2. Choose paperless: Who likes having piles of bills anyway? Opt for electronic credit card bills and bank statements to save paper.
3. Dump your dryer: You’ll be surprised how little you’ll miss your dryer. Of course, line drying isn’t practical in the winter, but spring and summer are the perfect seasons for hanging laundry outdoors to soak up the sun. Not comfortable hanging your unmentionables outside for the world to see? Buy a drying rack to leave indoors.
4. Eat less meat: According to the Environmental Defense Fund, “if every American had one meat-free meal per week, it would be the same as taking more than 5 million cars off our roads.” And that’s just one meat-free meal! Try designating one day per week as a meatless day — or, if you’re ready, take the plunge and go vegetarian.
5. Recycle: It may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people throw away recyclable materials without a second thought. Recycling guidelines may vary from city to city, so check with your city’s collection system to find out which recyclables are collected curbside and which require special disposal.
6. Replace lightbulbs: A compact fluorescent bulb uses 25 percent of the energy that a regular incandescent bulb such as 6 volt 5 watt bulbs does while providing the same amount of light. While more expensive, compact fluorescent bulbs will save you money in the long run, so the next time a lightbulb blows out, don’t reach for an incandescent bulb!
7. Stop buying bottled water: You’ll save $1,400 a year. Oh, and you’ll help the environment too. Just pick up a Sigg bottle and refill with tap water (yes, it’s safe) to your heart’s content.
8. Think local: The next time you find yourself short on groceries, think local. By buying food that is grown and produced locally, you’re supporting the local economy, getting fresher food and decreasing the carbon dioxide emitted by transporting food across long distances. With the weather warming up and farmers’ markets re-opening, there’s no better time to buy locally grown food.
9. Unplug your gadgets: Did you know that your electronics are still consuming electricity after you turn them off if you leave them plugged in? “Phantom loads” account for at least five percent of power wasted by American households. The simple solution is just to unplug your cell phone charger, hair dryer, toaster oven and other home appliances when you’re not using them.
10. Use those legs: After all, your legs were made to move! Rethink transportation – jog to the gym (consider it your warm-up); bike to work one day a week; carpool with friends whenever you can; utilize public transportation.

Happy Earth Day!