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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: One of the most important things you can do to be more environmentally friendly is to reduce the amount of waste you produce, reuse items as much as possible, and recycle when you can.
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Use Public Transportation, Carpool, or Walk/Bike: Another great way to reduce your carbon footprint is to use public transportation, carpool, or walk or bike instead of driving alone.
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Conserve Energy: You can conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when you're not using them, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and setting your thermostat at a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer.
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Plant Trees and Gardens: Planting trees and gardens can help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and create a more sustainable environment.
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Buy Local and Organic: Buying local and organic food can help to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and also support sustainable farming practices.
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Use Less Water: You can use less water by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and fixing any leaks in your home.
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Reduce Meat Consumption: Eating less meat can have a big impact on the environment, as the production of meat requires a lot of resources and generates a lot of greenhouse gases. Try 'meatless Mondays' as a start to eating more plant-based foods just one day a week.
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Support Renewable Energy: You can support renewable energy by investing in solar or wind power, using these sources of energy for your home, or, it that is too much of a stretch, by choosing an energy company that generates a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources.
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Be Mindful of Your Purchases: Be mindful of the products you buy and try to choose products that are made from recyclable materials and have minimal packaging. Consider borrowing items you'll only use once rather than purchasing them. Most importantly, ask yourself 'do I REALLY need this?'
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Educate Others: Finally, educate others about the importance of being environmentally friendly and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.
Good luck, and be sure to follow The Simple Sustainable Store on social media for more tips on how to be more sustainable this year.