More and more people are becoming aware of their impact on the environment. As a result, they’re looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and help the earth.

An eco-friendly lifestyle has many benefits. Not only do you help the environment, but you save money as well. Becoming more environmentally friendly can also improve your physical and mental health. No matter what your main reason for becoming more eco-friendly, here are a few tips to help you achieve your goal.

Your home uses a significant amount of energy, between heating and cooling, lighting, powering all of your appliances and more. There are several things that you can do around your home to reduce your overall energy consumption:

- Turn off lights when you’re not in the room.
- Unplug electronics when not in use.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
- Improve your home’s insulation.

You can also substantially reduce your home’s energy consumption by going solar. A solar panel works by absorbing sunlight and converting it into 100% clean energy to power your home. Not only does solar reduce your reliance on traditional energy, but it also helps to greatly reduce your monthly energy bills.

Instead of throwing out leftover food scraps, you can start a compost bin. By composting, you keep food waste out of landfills and instead turn it into a natural fertilizer for your garden. Many areas are also offering composting bins similar to recycling bins. You fill the bins and a composting company takes it away. Be sure to pay attention to what’s compostable and what’s not before you toss any food scraps away.

Many household cleaning supplies contain harsh chemicals. Not only are these chemicals harmful to the environment, but they can also be harmful to your health. They can irritate your skin and eyes as well as cause respiratory complications.

You can make eco-friendly cleaning supplies with common ingredients found in your home, including vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and more. Or, you can find environmentally friendly cleaning products at many stores.

From groceries to clothing and everything in between, choose local when you can. Food grown locally and products produced locally require fewer carbon emissions to transport. Shop nearby farmer’s markets for produce from local farms. Shop local businesses for clothing and home goods. Not only does buying locally help the environment, but it also allows you to support your local economy.

About 30% of the earth’s land is being used for livestock grazing and more than 30% is used to grow feed for livestock. The industry generates a significant amount of greenhouse gases. While going vegan will have the biggest impact, even just reducing your meat consumption just a few days a week can help to greatly reduce your carbon footprint.

Food often travels a long way before it reaches grocery stores. Purchasing food that has traveled thousands of miles contributes to carbon emissions. Buying local helps to greatly reduce the distance your food travels. You can reduce the distance even more by growing your own. Not only that, but you can also save a lot of money by starting a fruit and veggie garden at home. Even if you don’t have space for a full garden, you can grow the most common foods you use in window boxes.

An eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t just benefit the environment. It benefits you and everyone else. Every little step that you take can make a major difference. The great thing about moving toward a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is that you don’t have to change everything all at once. Start with one or two changes and begin implementing more over time.