Happy Earth Day! Are you wondering what are some things you can start doing at home to reduce your impact on the environment? Single use plastics and CO2 emissions are the biggest sources of pollution. Not everyone can afford solar panels or energy star appliances but we all can make a difference. Here are some quick and easy changes you can make today that can help make that difference. Plus they could also save you some $$. Why not go green?

Turn off everything when you’re done - seems quick and simple right? That’s because it is. The less energy you end up using, the better.

Wash clothes in cold water - 90% of energy used by a washing machine is to heat the water.

Skip the dryer when possible - it helps to have a neat drying rack but a traditional clothesline will do.

Swap regular light bulbs for LED - they use less energy and they last longer.

Use a programmable thermostat - save and drop the temperature when you’re not home.

Get a recycling bin and compost bin - if you have the bin, you’re going to use it. As for the compost, think free fertilizer.

Get a water filter instead of bottled water - this goes for all single use plastics. Bottled water isn’t necessary if you get a water filter - of any kind.

Replace old appliances for newer energy efficient ones - not saying go buy them all at once, but when you’re shopping to replace something, keep efficiency in mind.

Donate to and shop at Thrift Stores - save money, support your local economy, and recycle perfectly usable items.

Pay bills online - it’s faster and eliminates paper! That goes for subscriptions too - move it all online.

Use cloth kitchen towels and napkins - paper towels and paper napkins are fine to use sometimes, but less IS more when it comes to the environment.

Use eco-friendly cleaning products - they work just as well and have less harmful chemicals, plus you can make your own with products like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.

Waste less food - shop more efficiently, so you waste less food ultimately with less ending up at landfills.

Turn down your water heater - is your hot water scalding or too hot to touch? Then you can probably turn it down a bit.

Buy local - shop from local farmer’s markets, even better start your own garden!

Collect rain water - waste less water on water plants and your garden.