Now I know I probably sound like a broken record, but just hear me out.

The past month has been a tough one for many people in our country. People are uncertain about what could happen in the near and distant future. But many people feel as though they have been called to action.

One particular issue many are feeling uncertain about is our environment. The people who could be in charge of preserving it could be the reason for its destruction. But there is still hope. We as the people who populate this earth can do a few things in our daily lives to make a difference.

1. Turn off the lights!

I realize I sound like your kindergarten teacher telling you about how you can save the environment, but I think it’s worth a reminder. Don’t turn on more lights than you need. And definitely don’t leave them on when you leave the room. That’s just plain wasteful. Get in the habit of flipping off the lights when you go out.

2. Take shorter showers

This one is also a no-brainer. I know it’s nice to take a long, hot shower. Sometimes you really need it, I get that. But try to cut down on the time of the regular showers you take. Even try turning off the water between soap and shampoo cycles.

3. Wash your clothes in cold water

This one actually helps both the environment AND you! It doesn’t make sense to wash clothes in warm water, because oftentimes they’ll shrink or make the colors run. You can even try a bigger step toward being green by air drying some or all of your clothes on a drying rack instead of using a dryer.

4. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth

There is no reason for you to keep the water on while you’re brushing your teeth. Enough said.

5. Use a hand towel instead of paper towels

If you live on a college campus like me, paper towels are a big contributor to our carbon footprint. They fill trashcans daily, and for what? Try bringing a hand towel with you to the bathroom. It’s even easier on your hands! If you forget it, just wipe your hands on your clothes. They’ll survive, but we can’t be guaranteed that the environment will. And it’s not replaceable…

6. Bring your own cloth bags to the store

When you go shopping at the grocery store, drug store, or wherever, bring your own reusable bags with you instead of using paper or plastic. This is a simple one that can help take unnecessary waste out of the equation.

7. Don’t use a straw and a lid at restaurants

This one is a little strange, but I think it is worth mentioning. Do you really need the plastic lid and straw that goes with your cup at a restaurant? Going without might be slightly inconvenient for you, but a little more convenient for the earth.

8. If you go to college - don’t use a tray in the cafeteria

Again if you’re like me and you eat in a cafeteria for three meals a week, try just using a plate and cup instead of a tray. That way, the trays don’t have to be washed as much, and we can use less water.

9. Use a travel mug when you order coffee

All of us probably have a reusable travel coffee mug. Use that instead of the disposable paper cup they give you for your coffee. That cuts down on one cup every day, which can actually amount to quite a few saved trees!

10. Don’t be lazy - recycle!

This one is very evident, I know. But honestly some people are still too lazy to take the time to separate what can be recycled from their garbage. Take the time to put a soda can into the recycling instead of just throwing it into the nearest trashcan. Compress your cardboard boxes, and just be aware.