Are you aware of the impact that you have on the environment? If you aren’t, continue reading. If you are, and you know your impacts are negative but don’t care enough to do something about it, continue reading. If you are, and you live eco-consciously and admire, protect, and preserve our environment, you’re amazing!… and you can continue reading too.

Even though the human race has made many advancements that allow us to live comfortably, we still are dependent on the land, air, and water for our survival. Our relationship with Earth is turbulent because though we depend on it, it can harm us and we do harm in return.

I love nature and being outdoors. A couple of years ago, I became more conscious of how my daily actions can affect the Earth, even on the smallest scale. Although it can take time and thought to develop better habits, once you have new routines it is much easier! Here are some changes you can make in your life in an effort to leave a smaller footprint.

1. Ditch the plastic and paper, use reusable shopping bags

Reusable bags are usually free or cheap to acquire. If you attend a street festival with vendors or an event at your university and you're sure to come away with a few free bags. You can even obtain them by shopping at stores such as Urban Outfitters. Reusable bags are very versatile and can be used in a number of ways. They are also much sturdier than plastic or paper and are great for carrying your groceries up in one trip. I keep my bags in the trunk of my car so I don't forget them. Some stores even discount your purchase by a few cents if you use these bags, which isn't much but hey, sometimes that means an extra pack of ramen!

2. Stop sucking: eliminate plastic straws

Disposable straws are one of the leading causes of plastic pollution. You can purchase reusable straws online and some come with a cleaning tool. Ditching straws can be challenging, especially if you eat out often. I tried to quit straws for a month last summer and did pretty well until I went out to a bar one night and my drinks were served with tiny little black straws. Start small and don't get discouraged if you forget or if a restaurant automatically gives you a straw. You can find out more reducing your usage of plastic straws by checking out the Strawless Ocean campaign.

3. Invest in a water bottle you like

I'll admit it, I spend way more money on bottled water than I should. Not everyone has access to free, clean water, but if you do, it's time to cut back. Find a reusable bottle brand you like and buy a few. If you're at school or work, you likely have access to free water from a water fountain that you can use to fill up your cup. If you're not sure about the taste, you can always buy flavor packets, energy tabs (like Noom), or tea mix. Bottled water is important to have on hand, especially in emergency situations or while traveling, but for day-to-day life, it is not necessary. You can also start using reusable coffee cups and most cafes will give you a discount for using one.

4. Find out where to recycle in your community

My last apartment complex didn't offer recycling, so I took the initiative to recycle on my own. I purchased a large plastic storage bin from Target and put it in my kitchen. My roommates were on board and we filled it with paper, plastic, metal, and cardboard materials. I looked up recycling drop-offs in my community and emptied the bin at least once a month. Many communities are making it more convenient, so if it is not readily available at your residence you can still take the extra step. The best part is that we have reduced the amount of waste in our regular trash can and take far fewer trips to the dumpster each week which also saves on having to buy trash bags.

5. Turn off the lights and water

Unplugging electronics while they are not in use can reduce the amount of electricity being zapped up in your home. You can also turn off your water faucet when not in use while you brush your teeth or wash your reusable cups and bottles. Not only does reducing your water and electricity use help the environment, it helps you by reducing your water and energy bills! Participate in the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour on March 24 by turning off your lights and electronics for one hour.

There are too many of us that think laziness is an excuse not to recycle or save resources. Eco-friendliness doesn’t have to be a hassle; we can all make small changes that will make a huge impact on saving the planet.