By this point, we should all be aware of the impact that certain lifestyle choices have on the environment and the ecosystem we depend on for life. Our planet is in danger, but we can all do our part to take steps toward a more sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle. If you’re hoping to make some changes soon, you may feel a little overwhelmed about how to go about it. However, you don’t have to transform your entire life overnight. These changes can help you live a more eco-conscious lifestyle without causing you any major hassle.

Go solar powered.

If you want to start big and change up the way you power your entire home, there’s no better way than to get off the grid and switch over to solar energy. A service like Renew Energy can set you up with eco-friendly solar panels which free you from expensive utility bills and the over-use of our earth’s precious resources. They’re easily installed, far more cost-effective in the long-term, and ideal for powering homes in sun-drenched locations like Australia.

Change up your fashion habits.

You may not think that your clothes shopping habits have anything to do with sustainability, but you can actually make a real difference by transforming the way you view fashion. Fast fashion outlets are hugely damaging to the environment in a multitude of ways. They exploit workers in developing countries, use textiles that take a toll on the earth’s resources, and contribute to a wasteful, consumerist culture that encourages us to buy cheap items just to throw away a few months later. Buy vintage clothing or support sustainable fashion brands to make a statement about your ethics through your style choices.

Become aware of your energy use.

If you’re not ready to go solar, you can still take steps to reduce the amount of energy used in your household. Simple things like switching off the lights when you’re not in the room, turning off electronics when they’re not being used, and unplugging devices overnight can cut down on your utility bills substantially. If you want to use more eco-friendly energy solutions for your home, you can also swap your regular bulbs to energy-efficient LED or CDL light bulbs.

Set up a recycling system at home.

If you haven’t done so already, begin sorting your household waste into recycling and regular bins. Do your research to find out which items are recyclable (they should generally say on the packaging, but don’t always) and make use of your recycling bin to avoid adding to the excess waste piling up in the earth’s landfills.

Skip the car commute.

Driving your car to work each day may be an unnecessary use of fuel that’s both wasting your money and contributing to worldwide carbon emissions - a major factor in the development of global warming. There are plenty of alternatives to consider. If you live in an area with good public transportation, consider hopping on a bus to work instead of taking your car. Cycling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while improving your health and fitness levels. If cycling is out of the question, consider setting up a carpool at work with those who live in your area.