Think about all the things you use in your house every day. From water to electronics and appliances, we all consume a considerable amount of energy and resources every day in our homes. The good news is that with just a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can greatly reduce your impact on the environment, while benefitting your health and saving money. Why wait when you can start doing these things now?

1. Inspect your kitchen appliances.

The biggest energy-draining appliance in your house is the one that’s always on—the refrigerator. If your fridge is over 10 years old, you may want to consider upgrading to a new, more energy-efficient one, or adjusting it to a warmer temperature. Also, unplug additional refrigerators (in the garage or basement) when they’re not in use.

2. Conserve water through faucets and showerheads.

A faucet aerator is an effective way to reduce your annual water consumption in your kitchen and bathroom. Along with installing an aerator, the use of a low-flow showerhead can save thousands of gallons of water per year. Both are affordable, eco-friendly, and sold at every major home improvement store.

3. Install a compost bin.

Composting is one of the most environmentally friendly methods for the household. Defined as the biological process of breaking down waste into a natural fertilizer, a compost bin can contain waste like food, leaves, manure, grass trimmings, coffee grounds and more. Compost bins are inexpensive and reduce the need for plastic and paper garbage bags.

4. Leave your shoes at the door.

It may sound like a strange tip, but taking off your shoes and keeping them in the entryway of your house can help in a major way. Not only will you avoid stains and vacuum less, you’ll reduce household pollutants and germs. You’ll literally breathe easier knowing these things are left at the door.

5. Upgrade light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).

If your home uses incandescent light bulbs, replace them with CFLs to save money and energy. A compact fluorescent bulb uses approximately 70 percent less energy than a traditional bulb and last up to fifteen times longer. However, due to the trace of mercury in CFLs, it’s important to know what to do should one break in your house. Learn more here.

6. Seal openings around windows and doors.

Cracks and gaps appear in just about every home, especially if you live in an older house. These openings can increase your heating and cooling bill as well as your carbon footprint. Apply weather stripping around your windows and doors to conserve energy and money.

7. Choose filtered over bottled water.

Why continue to purchase bottled water if you don’t have to? Buying a tap purifier, a filtered pitcher, or even a water purification system saves you money and eliminates container waste. Go a step further by using reusable water bottles (preferably aluminum) at work or when driving to increase your ecological footprint.