Climate change is undeniable. The science shows that people are responsible for some of the atmospheric warming driving emerging weather patterns and melting ice sheets. While the problems themselves often seem overwhelming, there are things that you can do every day to reduce your impact on the environment. These simple swaps will boost your sustainability and help preserve the planet's delicate systems.

Expand Your Household Recycling Practices

Along with reducing resource use and reusing items to extend their lifecycle, recycling is one of the key tenets of the sustainability movement. Luckily, it has been broadly embraced and nearly every home has a recycle bin stashed in the kitchen or laundry room. Is the small amount of stuff that fits in there really enough recycling to make a difference, though? Expanding what you consider recyclable has a number of benefits for you and the planet.

Consider the pieces of scrap metal that you toss in the trash or that require you to schedule an oversized pickup. Many of them can be taken to a metal recycling facility, many of which pay a small amount per pound for materials. The casting process allows for metals to be melted and remade into entirely new items. Its nature means that you can get several generations of goods from a single batch of raw material.

Plant Native Landscape Plants

Gardening has taken on a whole new significance for millions of people this year. However, many of them do not realize that planting and caring for non-native plants can drain precious natural resources. Native plants, on the other hand, have adapted over time to thrive in your climate. They will require less water and soil amendments, which will save you time, effort and money. Research what is native to your area and then invest in those types of plants.

Install Window Treatments

This is an incredibly simple swap that can fit almost any budget. Window treatments block the sun in the summer, helping to keep inside temperatures down. That reduces the need for air conditioning. In the winter, thermal curtains and drapes can prevent cold from seeping through windows. This is especially helpful in homes with older windows and doors.

Rethink Your Laundry Routine

With few exceptions, most people accumulate a significant amount of laundry every week. All of those clothes and linens need water and detergents to get clean for their next use. You can fix up your laundry routine with just a few small switches.

Use cold water whenever possible. Most modern detergents are highly effective at cleaning even in cold water cycles. That reduces the amount of energy needed to heat water, which is one of the biggest power drains in the laundry cycle. While you are looking at laundry detergents, try some that are formulated to be biodegradable and pH balanced. They are less likely to negatively impact the water systems or aquatic organisms. Install a clothesline to harness passive drying power. There is a wide variety of styles that can go inside or out, so pretty much anyone can use one.

Ditch Single-Serve Packaging

Food packaging is a major contributor to the global plastic overload. Single-use containers and individually packaged servings all use a lot of packaging materials. Taking the time to rethink how your food is served and stored can have a huge impact on how much trash your household generates. Try carrying your own reusable containers with you when you dine out or pack lunches from home so you won't be tempted to stop and grab a quick bite.

Shop at Second Hand Stores

Items like vehicles, furniture, clothing and housewares are all great to shop for at thrift or consignment stores. In fact, many of the things you use every day are just as functional when purchased second hand. Doing so helps keep unused items out of landfills, reduces new materials needed for production and helps you save some money, too.

Helping the planet may seem like a huge undertaking, but it can be done if everyone commits to a few small changes in their routines. Reducing resource consumption, increasing recycling efforts and working to reduce waste are all worthwhile efforts.