10 small actions you can take to make every day Earth Day
We all want to do more to take care of our planet, but with our busy lives, figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming. The secret? Start with small, manageable changes. These everyday actions add up to a big difference – just like putting money in a savings account, it’s the regular contributions that count.
April brings us a new season, spring cleaning, and Earth Month! While you’re sprucing up your space, take a moment to clean up your daily routines as well, and make some changes to lighten your impact on the planet.
At Ridwell, we’re all about making it easy to waste less. So we want to share some planet-friendly life hacks: ten simple, everyday actions you can take to help protect the earth and support your local community.
It’s important to create new habits that stick, so choose the changes that feel most sustainable in your life. Use this guide to refresh the way you shop, eat, and manage your home, and you’ll be amazed how good it feels.
So switch up your routine, show the planet some love, and make every day Earth Day!
Contain yourself
1. Ditch the plastic or paper bags and bring reusable totes for everyday grocery and household shopping. Keep some in the car, so you have them handy when you’re out and about.
2. Sealable silicon food pouches and glass containers are great alternatives to ziploc bags or cling wrap, and keep food just as fresh.
Get the gear
3. Already carry a reusable water bottle? Good job. Add a folding utensil kit to your bag, and you can skip the single-use plastics when you grab lunch on the go. Up-level even further by bringing your own tiffin boxes to a restaurant when you order takeout.
4. Coffee lover? Single-use pods are convenient, but they’re a nightmare environmentally. Treat yourself to a french press, a pour-over kit, or an AeroPress. Yes, it takes a few minutes longer, but the result is extra delicious, and guilt-free! Keep a reusable cup in your car for when you’re out and about and need that caffeine fix.
Go local
5. Become a regular at your local zero waste and bulk stores. From hygiene and household cleaning products to spices, grains, coffee beans, nuts and even cereal, these stores often carry a majority of your daily essentials without the wasteful packaging. Invest in glass mason jars or other reusable containers to bring with you - having a set of containers the same size and weight makes everything simple at checkout.
6. As we move into spring and summer, visit your local farmers’ market. Not only do you get the freshest, package-free produce, but you get to support your local farmers and makers, and keep your dollars in the local economy. Community supported agriculture (CSA) programs are an affordable way to enjoy fresh local produce on a regular schedule, and many local farmers will even deliver directly to your door.
Bring it home
7. When shopping online, group orders into as few deliveries as possible. This significantly reduces both packaging and emissions from transportation. Even better, see if you can find what you need at a small business in your neighborhood, and support your local economy.
8. Smart devices have come a long way in the last few years. They’re easier to set up and use, and more affordable than in the past. Check out the many ‘set it and forget it’ options for smart thermostats, lightbulbs, dimmers and other energy-saving tech for your home. If you have a yard to maintain, there are even smart sprinkler systems that turn themselves off when it’s going to rain!
Freshen up your fabrics
9. When your living room needs a new look, seek out local furniture consignment stores. Not only can you find some beautiful and unique pieces, you also reduce the resources expended in manufacturing new stuff. Reupholstering furniture can also be a cost-effective way to extend the life of a favorite piece, while giving it a completely new look and feel. Search for local artisans who can help bring your furniture back to life.
10. Time to refresh your wardrobe? Try hosting a clothing swap with friends. It’s a great way to gift clothing you’re no longer wearing, and you can score some great ‘new to you’ pieces. Add some drinks and snacks, and make an evening of it!
Bonus action: Rid well (with Ridwell)
Hooray for small changes! If you follow all the steps above (and if you do – way to go!), you’re well on your way to reducing your impact on the planet.
Chances are you’ll still have things you need to dispose of on a regular basis. That’s where Ridwell can help, making it easy to responsibly get rid of your stuff, without leaving the house!
As members know and love, we conveniently pick up everyday hard-to-recycle and reusable stuff, right from your doorstep, and deliver it to sustainable and local partners. Whether you’re new to Ridwell or a loyal member, here are some small actions and pro tips to be mindful of:
Plastic film: You’d be amazed by how many plastic items don’t belong in the curbside recycle bin. While you’re sorting, remember hard plastics go in the recycle bin and plastic film goes in the Ridwell bin. Here are some of the most common plastic film items you can recycle with Ridwell: Bubble wrap, air pillows, Ziploc bags, plastic overwrap (like over paper towels or drink packs), poly and bubble mailers (like white and blue Amazon mailers), and produce/grocery bags.
Batteries: Rechargeable, alkaline, and small electronics batteries come to mind, but don’t forget the batteries from hearing aids, watches, laptops, and cell phones–they can all go in here too.
Light bulbs: LEDs, CFLs, and incandescents can all go in our light bulb bag, along with tiny bulbs from decorative light fixtures. No broken bulbs, please! Help keep our drivers and warehouse staff safe by putting those in the trash. Save your string lights and holiday lights for special featured category pickups.
Threads: If they’re not right for clothing swaps, your clothes, shoes, and hats belong in the Ridwell bin. We also take fabric scraps, towels, and blankets, so don’t forget to clean out the linen closets or nursery this spring.
Featured categories: Make the most of this rotating category by checking your member dashboard and planning ahead. Think seasonally and expect things like cords and cables around spring cleaning, holiday decorations in January, and school supplies in the summer, plus take delight in giving a second life to those hard-to-recycle miscellaneous household items that have been piling up in your closets and drawers like eyeglasses, wine corks, and toiletries.
Add-on categories (vary by location): Help your neighborhood waste less! Tell us what additional categories your community needs to reduce waste, and we’ll do our best to find sustainable partners that compliment your local recycling services. Seattle members wanted to stamp out Styrofoam, while Portland members were clamoring for clamshells. We’re here to answer the call!
Not a member yet?
We hope you’re feeling inspired to start some new, everyday habits to take care of the planet. Join us and see how good it feels to waste less.
If you’re already a Ridwell member and know someone who would benefit from Ridwell, remember to share your special referral link so we can waste less, together.
Special thank you to Harry Werber, Ridwell Bellingham, and Cory McNulty, Ridwell Denver, for contributions and inspiration!