Although Earth Day is an excellent opportunity to shine a light on things we can do to protect the world we live in, the effort to live a more sustainable life with less waste should be ongoing. This month, I shared tips for recycling and organic eating, and limiting chemicals in the home. For my final post in partnership with Scott Naturals, let’s look at 10 things you can do to green your routine today.

I promise, this is a painless list that you really can do. And best of all, many of these steps will actually save you money.

1. Test Drive Scott Naturals. If everyone in the U.S. took the 4-Week Test Drive and swapped their paper products for Scott Naturals (made with recycled fibers) we would save 2,000,000 trees. Wow. That’s a major impact.
2. Recycle. Just do it. Make it habit and recycle. If you already do (props to you), research ways to recycle other materials that aren’t part of curbside pick up – like batteries and styrofoam.
3. Eat Organic. You don’t have to switch everything right now. Start with the Dirty Dozen veggies and go from there.
4. Use Homemade Cleaners. Say no to cleaning with unnecessary chemicals. Slash the cost of cleaning supplies and make your own cleaners from safe products like vinegar.
5. Use Reusable Bags. Put a stash in your car, carry a compact one in your purse — whatever you have to do to remember them. Once it becomes a habit, it will be like grabbing your car keys. (Bonus: Target and CVS offer discounts to shoppers with reusable bags!)
6. Buy Secondhand. Kids out grow clothes in a flash, so save your wallet and landfills by buying secondhand. When you are done, resell your kids duds or donate them to charity. Let’s get more life out of those threads!
7. Reuse “Trash” For An Art Project. I love crafting with upcycled materials. Toilet paper rolls, ribbons saved from packages, cut up cardboard boxes – the possibilities are endless. Look for recycled craft ideas on Pinterest.
8. Buy Products/Packaging Made From Recycled Materials. Complete the recycling cycle by supporting companies that create products and/or packaging with recycled fibers.
9. Switch To CFL Light Bulbs. Stop using incandescent bulbs. I know CFLs are more expensive, but because you don’t have to replace them as often and they use less electricity, you will save money on addition bulbs and your electric bill.
10. Wash Laundry In Cold Water. Did you know, 90% of the energy needed to wash a load of laundry is used for heating the water. Switch to cold water and you will drastically reduce your energy consumption saving you money too.

There’s my challenge to you. Take these 10 painless steps toward being more green. The planet will thank you.

Disclosure – This series of posts was brought to you by Scott Naturals, however, all thoughts, opinions and tips are my own.