Although the idea of living a more green life can seem overwhelming at first, it doesn't have to be if you start by making small changes to your daily routine. Here are six ways that you can be more green in your everyday life.

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

Did you know that incandescent light bulbs only convert about 10% of energy into light, while the remaining 90% is lost as heat? This causes your air conditioning to work harder to keep the temperature in your home down. Although incandescent bulbs are the most commonly used in the United States, it doesn't mean that they're the most environmentally friendly.

Consider switching your old bulbs for LEDs, which use 80% less energy and can last for up to 50,000 hours, as opposed to incandescent bulbs' short life of 1,000 hours. As an additional benefit, LED bulbs don't emit a significant amount of heat. This means that you can be confident that your home will remain cool.

2. Switch to Zero Waste Toothpaste

Every year, one billion plastic tubes of toothpaste end up in landfills. Considering that plastic can take up to 450 years to decompose, you can see why using zero waste toothpaste can have a positive effect on the environment. In addition, conventional toothpaste products often contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment and waterways, such as triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Whether you decide to opt for plastic-free toothpaste tubes, toothpaste powder or toothpaste tablets, you can be confident that you're using products with safe ingredients. If you struggle with sensitive teeth, looking up the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help you find the ideal option for your needs.

3. Unplug Appliances When You're Not Using Them

Although you may think that your appliances are off once you've shut down the power, this isn't always the case. Your devices continue to use energy even when they've been shut down, which is also known as a phantom load. Therefore, unplugging appliances that aren't being used is a great way to help the environment and save money on your electrical bills. You can also install a smart power strip, which turns off power to devices that have entered standby mode.

4. Use Reusable Bags

Even though plastic bags are only used for about 10 minutes for each shopping trip, they can take up to 500 years to decompose in a landfill. Making the switch to reusable bags can:

• Decrease your carbon footprint

• Reduce litter

• Save trees

• Prevent greenhouse gases from accumulating

As an additional benefit, many stores give discounts for bringing your own bag, and some will even charge you extra for using plastic bags. Therefore, using reusable bags can also help you save cash.

5. Recycle

This may sound like an obvious tip, but you may be surprised to learn that the recycling rate in the United States is only about 35%. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the items in your household that can be recycled. The most common items include paper, plastic, batteries and glass. If you need to recycle larger items like electronics, check with your local district to find out how to safely do so.

6. Cut Down on Water Use

Many people don't realize how much water they waste on a daily basis. Starting off with simple changes to your routine, such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, fixing a leaky faucet and keeping showers under 10 minutes, can help you conserve water. These activities can also significantly lower your water bill.

In addition, consider using a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand. However, be sure to wait until the dishwasher is full before running it to minimize water use.

When it comes to saving the environment, the smallest changes often make the biggest difference. Following these six easy tips can help you live a more green life.