If you're anything like me, you're interested in being as environmentally conscious as possible. If that statement doesn't apply to you, you should really reconsider: this planet is kind of the only one we have.

It can be hard to be really aware of your footprint and integrating that mindset into your day-to-day can be tricky, but I've got a few ways that you can live green in the city. Whether you're a diligent student, a workaholic, or part of a busy family, you can integrate these little changes into your life. Every single seemingly insignificant thing counts! Let's get started.

1. Recycle

Most people already recycle; but if you don't, get on it! Find out what's recyclable and put a bin next to your garbage can so it's just as easy to recycle as it is to dispose. Don't just stop at beer bottles or soda cans, either! Paper, glass jars, old cardboard inserts, junk mail: put as much as you can in that bin.

2. Compost

Now, composting can be intimidating for a lot of people. I recommend buying or building a really inexpensive composting bin, doing some research, and starting small. Composting is a great way to enrich your soil, promoting healthy plant life.

3. Reuse

I'm a big saver of to-go containers and jars. Sauce jars, plastic takeout boxes, small tubs that once contained my Earth Balance butter: all of these can be reused. I love making iced tea and storing them in the jars. You can get creative and paint jar lids, decorate the glass, or simply use them instead of plastic bags for taking your lunch to-go.

4. Hang Clothes

Not only will you save money by hanging your clothes to dry, but you'll save energy. Even if you live in a dorm room setting or an apartment complex with shared laundry spaces, it's important to cut down on that ecological footprint! (I also once was told that hanging your clothes to dry puts the sun's energy into the clothes -- but perhaps that's only important for us hippies.)

5. Use the bus or ride share

Again, this will save you money and help reduce the impact on the environment. Especially if you're a student that gets free bus fare, you have to utilize the bus system! Besides, taking the bus home means no one has to be a DD...

6. Bike, board, or walk

If you've got places to be and don't want to depend on a bus system, there's no reason you can't bike, board, or walk to most places. This not only cuts down on your ecological footprint while saving you money but also promotes a healthy lifestyle. 10,000 steps a day is the recommended amount one should be walking per day for a healthy heart and body -- how close do you come to that?

7. Support local businesses

Check out your local vendors and farmers markets. If you want to really cut down on your ecological footprint, stop ordering the special entree that features a protein that flew halfway across the world to make it to your table. Instead, eat fruits and vegetables that are in season, and purchase goods that are sourced locally. Your local economy can only thrive from this!

Those are just a few of my tips for living green in the city. If you liked this, give it a share, like, or comment. <3

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If you're interested in finding more out about your ecological footprint, check out http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/ and calculate your footprint. Go green!