With the new year a lot of people seem to be thinking more about the environment and how they can cut back on their impact. Don’t worry! I’m not going to suggest that you sell your SUV’s in favor of hybrid cars (although, that would make a huge impact). Instead I am going to offer some easy and simple suggestions that everyone can do.

1. Switch to cloth. Cloth bags, cloth napkins, cloth dish towels, etc. I grew up using cloth for everything, and the idea of using paper napkins, plates and towels for uses beyond spills or picnics is totally bizarre to me. You can use them, wash them, and they are good to go. If you don’t want to spend the money on cloth napkins, pick up cheap bandanas or scarves at thirft stores. This is what I have done and it leaves you with all sorts of funky kitchen accessories.

2. Go with non-toxic cleaners. A lot of commonly bought store cleaners have toxic ingredients that aren’t needed to get the job done. Brands such as Seventh Generation and Method are available in all kinds of stores. Personally, I was raised using Seventh Generation products and have never tried any other commercially available non toxic cleaners. There’s are amazing, but Method is very affordable. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and tea tree oil are great alternatives to make your own cleaners, such as the ones described here.

3. Recycle everything. If it can be recycled, do it! Make sure to clean items before recycling since anything with food items left on them, such as jars, boxes, etc., will have to end up going in the landfill. The packaging is recyclable, not the food. If items can’t go in recycle bin, find new uses. Recycling doesn’t just mean taking care of your bottles and cans. It can be extended to all types of things. For example, I use old socks that have gotten holes in them to clean the tub instead of using a sponge or cloth.

4. Compost. Either in your yard or rent a compost bin from your local sanitation department. How much of what’s sitting in your trash can is food waste? All kinds of food waste can go into the compost. So can paper scraps, wood, and anything else that is natural. Though I’d strongly suggest not trying to compost meat or dairy products. It makes a great mix to add to your yard if you are planning on starting a garden in the spring.

5. Conserve energy. Turn off lights when you leave rooms, use energy efficient bulbs, and unplug items that aren’t in use. During the warmer months of the year, ditch the air conditioning (I’ve never lived in a place with it) by either leaving the windows open at night or opening them in the early morning. Make sure to close them by 9:00 or 10:00AM to keep the cool night air in your house longer. Insulate your windows! You can apply plastic over the outside or use thicker curtains.

6. Use less water. Take shorter showers, avoid baths when possible, and shave outside of the tub. Fill the sink with water, soak a washcloth, and rinse the razor in the sink. Re-use cooking water to water plants or as broth. If you just cooked some vegetables in water, use that same water for pasta or rice. This will add a little extra flavor and some extra nutrients. Turn off water when lathering up or brushing. If you have a lawn, water it as little as possible and do so early in the morning or at night when less will evaporate.