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In celebration of Earth Day, Life Kit asked our audience to share their sustainability hacks – what small (or big) acts do you take in your life to center the longevity of our planet? Your responses ranged from creatively repurposing plastic bags to giving up driving altogether! 

While Earth Month is ending, we're sharing some of the most useful and actionable tips we received. We hope they inspire you for the rest of the year — no need to wait until Earth Day next year to adopt one of these ideas.

These responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

I bicycle commute to work and have for over forty years. Over 100,000 miles not sitting in a car. 

 I re-use my pickle jars to sort and store my screws, nails, batteries and miscellaneous art supplies. It keeps my brain happy because everything has a place and my wallet happy because I don't buy expensive sorters. 

I collect cloth napkins at thrift shops, and that is all we use for meals. I have lots of them, and I wash them weekly. 

 We use metal straws that go in the dishwasher and make ice water taste extra cold. 

I purchase native plants! These are plants that are well adapted to my area, and require less water and fertilizer. Plus, I get to see beautiful butterflies, birds and other pollinators. I don't have to purchase bird seed because these plants already feed critters of all kinds. 

 In the morning, while I am waiting for the hot water so I can do the dishes, I catch all the cooler water in a 2-gallon bucket to water my plants or give to my animals. I also use a rinsing bowl for the dishes instead of running water. 

:  I am able to store vegetables like lettuce, chard, carrots, celery, cabbage, bell pepper and zucchini in my refrigerator for several weeks at a time. I wrap the produce in paper towels and then store the wrapped items in plastic bags recycled from the produce section of the grocery store. This controls the humidity so things don't dry out or get mushy from too much moisture.  

 I try to avoid drinking from a plastic water bottle. I always carry my own steel water bottle. 

When my jeans are completely worn out, I cut them into strips. I use the strips to tie up tomatoes and other plants in the garden. The fabric is soft on the vines and strong enough for stability. 

 I realize not everyone's lifestyle or location can accommodate it, but I sold my car five years ago. My husband and I both rely on public transportation. We also walk and use ride shares. Being car-free is a big change in my lifestyle, but I've enjoyed adjusting to the discomfort these past five years. Some benefits to it: no car payment, car insurance, parking fees or insane gas prices. I also get more exercise and see more of my neighborhood than I ever would have otherwise. 

All the bags that cannot be recycled at the local grocery store (think chip bags, etc.) are put to good use cleaning out our two litter boxes. This way, even though the bags are still going in the garbage, they are getting a second use. 

We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at 

Environmental News

Life Kit

Author

Earth Month is ending, but Life Kit's audience has actionable sustainability tips you can use as inspiration for the rest of the year.

Earth Month is ending, but these sustainability tips are evergreen

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