1. Take small steps to reduce blight in your neighborhood. It’s easy when you tackle it bit by bit!

2. Join the plogging revolution (picking up litter while jogging). The beauty of it is that you can do it whenever you want, even if you’re just headed around the block with your dog. (Walking is totally fine too!)

3. Recycle right! If you have access to a curbside collection service, be sure to follow city or county guidelines for acceptable materials. You can also check out what your local government, stores, and organizations offer in terms of drop-off options. Places like Walmart, Ingles and more collect plastic bags and film, and many areas host events for nontraditional materials like paint or electronics.

4. Think twice before you purchase anything. Reducing waste is one of the most effective ways to decrease your environmental footprint. Our advice? If you see something you like, sleep on it a night or two before you go through with the payment. You might decide you don’t need it after all!

5. Shop sustainably. Now more than ever, we’re purchasing items online. Make the choice to ship your items all at once to conserve packaging, and consider sites that invest in eco-friendly shipping practices.

6. Better yet, shop locally. Shopping local is a great way to reduce carbon emissions and grow your local economy.

7.  Get thrifty! We look forward to the day when spending hours browsing for antiques or secondhand threads becomes possible again, but just because we’re in a pandemic doesn’t mean you have to completely give up the habit. Many local shops offer online options now, and you can also support individual businesses on sites like Etsy. Depending on where you live, you might even be able to find an outdoor market or two!

8. When you do buy new, avoid fast fashion. It might be easy on your wallet, but cheap clothes often end up in the landfill. Invest in classic, solidly made items that will last for years, and see if you can find sustainable brands made with ethical materials.

9. Never throw your clothes in the trash! Learn how to fix them if needed (whatever happened to darning socks?), and if you’re in need of a refresh, swap items with a friend or donate them to charity.

10. Make the switch to reusable tote bags, and store them in your car or near the door—this way, you’ll never find yourself in a checkout line without them again.

11. If you’re at the grocery store, bypass the plastic produce bags. Use canvas or mesh options instead.

12. When it makes sense, buy in bulk. Swap individually bagged snacks for larger items that use less packaging, and if your store allows it, bring canvas bags or jars to purchase items like nuts or grains.

13. Incorporate seasonal foods into your grocery list. Your meals will taste fresher, and local farmers will thank you.

14. Start making lists if you haven’t already! Planning your meals and snacks beforehand means you’ll throw less food into the trash later.

15. Speaking of food waste, start composting. It’s easy to do whether you live in a house, apartment, or condo.

16. Don’t forget about those reusable mugs and water bottles! We’re all traveling and going into the office a lot less these days, but they’ll be waiting for you when life gets hectic again, and you might find them useful for outdoor treks.

17.  Plant a tree or shrub in your yard or community. The air will be cleaner and local wildlife will thank you.

18.  Get into gardening this spring as well. You can fill yours with native plants for pollinators, eliminate the amount of lawn you need to mow, and even start growing your own food. This goes for those with smaller outdoor spaces as well. Porches and patios (even windowsills!) are perfect spots for flowers or an herb garden.

19. Provide wildlife habitats. In the colder months, it can be as easy as hanging up your rake so moths and other beneficial insects can overwinter in fallen leaves. We’re also big proponents of bird houses and bee hotels. You can purchase them or make your own from scrap wood, metal, and other leftover materials!

20. Take part in (socially distanced or virtual) community events. If you’re interested in making your neighborhood cleaner, greener, and more beautiful, call us!

21. Last but not least, spread the word. Share these tips with your friends and neighbors—everything’s more fun when you do it with someone you love!