6. Use Canvas Shopping Bags

Plastic bags are a huge source of waste. It is estimated that we throw out over 500 billion plastic bags per year. Bring canvas shopping bags to the store with you. A number of stores are now offering discounts when you do this. Talk to the manager of your local grocery about starting a canvas bag program. If you have troubble remembering to use canvas bags, leave them by your door or in your car.

7. Buy Organic and Locally Grown

Organic foods aren’t just better for you – they’re better for the earth as well. Pesticides and other chemicals from commercial farms are devastating to local ecosystems and pollute the entire planet’s water supply. Continued growth in the organic farming industry will prove critical to our health as individuals and the health of our planet. Locally grown produce is even more enviro-friendly. Most produce and meat is shipped in from hundreds or thousands of miles away, consuming a tremendous amount of fossil fuel. Buying local eliminates all of this fuel consumption and the associated greenhouse gasses.

8. Try to Avoid Over-Packaged Items

All other things being even, buying bulk foods like nuts, beans, and grains, fresh produce, and fresh cuts of meat and fish is preferable to buying processed boxed/bagged foods simply because of the amount of waste processed food packaging generates. But, of course, all things are not equal. In addition to having a lot less packaging, natural foods are a lot better for your health as well. Fast food is one of the worst environmental culprits. All of the individual boxes and cases pollute the environment the same way the “food” pollutes your body.

9. Conserve Water

Weather you’re brushing your teeth, doing dishes, or showering, try turning the water off when you’re not actually using it (say, while your sudsing the dishes or your body). Over time the water we waste during these activities really adds up.

10. Replace Environmentally Toxic Products with Eco-Friendly Ones.

Batteries are a huge source of toxic waste. Rechargeable batteries save you money, and are a lot better for the earth. Cleaning products are one of the most common sources of toxic exposure. Unfortunately, there is no regulation of the claims that these products can make, so any cleaner can say that it is “eco-friendly” or “organic”. Read labels. Look for cleaners that are alcohol based, rather than based on organic solvents like butyl cellosolve, which are highly toxic. In addition, vinegar, lemon, and baking soda can all be used for a variety of cleaning needs with no risk to the environment or your health. All natural shampoos, toothpastes, and other personal care products will also, generally, prove less toxic to both your body and the ecosystems they end up in after they're washed down the drain.