If the wellbeing of our planet concerns you, you are probably a little scared for the next four years. Our home is suffering, and a certain someone does not seem to be taking the matter very seriously. Although we can’t decide what the United States will do about climate change, there are ways we can improve our planet. Here is a list of five things you can do as an individual to help the Earth.

Compost

When biodegradable products are thrown into landfills, they rot anaerobically, producing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Composting your biodegradable waste also produces nutrient-rich soil that helps grow healthier plants.

Recycle

Needless to say, recycling keeps garbage out of landfills and bodies of water. There’s really no reason not to—almost every place that has a garbage can has a recycling can.

Plant trees

Tree seeds are very easy to find (especially when those annoying helicopter seeds fall). Taking them and planting them is an easy way to help with deforestation. If you don’t want to commit to tending to a sapling yourself, simply taking the seeds to a patch of soil and dropping them in can help.

Grow a flower garden

Planting flowers to attract bees is a double win: you help provide food for the insects that pollinate our food, and you have a beautiful array of flowers to brighten your home. Plus wouldn’t it feel great knowing you’re helping save an endangered species?

Invest in reusable grocery bags

Cloth bags to carry your groceries are affordable and can come in different styles and colors. Investing in a few of these can help keep plastic bags out of landfills, oceans, trees, and just about everywhere else.

Helping the planet isn’t that difficult. Sometimes all it involves is a little more effort and simply making conscious choices. And right now, the earth needs us to do that.