#1 Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
Recycling may be one of the easiest and most well-known things you can do for the environment, but it is also one of the most important. As we use our limited resources to produce more materials for our consumer driven economy, we throw out old items or garbage to make room for the new things in our lives. Instead of dumping all of our garbage into the trash bin that ends up in a huge and disgusting landfill, take a few seconds to throw away recyclable trash that can be reused for future green and clean products.

#2 Portion Control
Meal portions at restaurants seem to keep increasing over time. You are paying more, getting more, and usually unable to finish it all. The leftover food either gets thrown out and goes to waste, or goes home with you in a Styrofoam box (that will most likely end up in a landfill). Next time you go out to eat, try getting a small or half-sized portion, or sharing a full meal with a friend. Sharing is caring!

#3 Ride a bike, walk or carpool
It is a well-known fact that vehicle emissions are harmful to the environment. Riding a bike or walking to school or work can greatly reduce your environmental impact. Carpooling or using public transportation means less cars on the road and thus using less gas and saving the environment and your money.

#4 Print as Little as Necessary
We have all had that teacher who wanted a hard copy of that ten-page essay that took so much time to write. Although this is fine, it does seem as if they do not understand that using so much paper for every single essay is bad for the environment. What can you do? Ask your teacher if you can print on both sides of the page to reduce the amount of paper used. Most teachers care about the environment as well and would be willing to allow you to do so if you just ask.

#5 Save Water
Water is wasted more frequently than we realize. Turn off the faucet as you are brushing your teeth, and don’t turn your shower on until you’re ready to get in. Limit your water usage as much as you can and I promise you changing old habits will be good for both the environment and your parent’s wallet!