The human population, as brilliant as we may be, is slowly killing this beautiful planet we call home. With both air, water, and every other kind of pollution there is, we have taken something organic, beautiful, naturally thriving, and turned it into a concrete jungle full of plastic, smoke, and lights. And even though we cannot undo what we did, we can certainly try to help slow the process of killing this planet.

It is simple, if you think about it, and if everyone does just a little bit to help, we can keep Earth beautiful and living, just a bit longer. Obviously, unless you are the scientist type, we are not going to come up with some grand brilliant way to save the planet completely and restore the atmosphere or replace all the tress and help nature become nature again. But us, normal civilians, can very simply help the planet, little by little, with just a few simple steps.

Here are 5 simple things to change in your daily routine to help the planet survive just a little longer:

1. Swap your body wash for bar soap.

This seems simple enough and if everyone starts doing this, there will be a decline in plastic bottles thrown in a recycling pile of even more plastic waiting to be recycled. There are even companies making shampoo and conditioner into bars to reduce the use of plastic bottles.

2. Start using reusable water bottles.

Once again, this reduces plastic being recycled. Some people don't use reusable bottles because they lose them, or forget to use them, but it is a simple way to help reduce your plastic use. Plus, reusable water bottles are getting better designs and better quality. You have a choice between hard plastic, glass, and metal. Plus this way you have a place to put off those cool stickers you have been saving throughout the years.

3. Find a different way to commute.

In the summer, biking to work of school is easy enough, but as it is getting colder, that becomes a little less realistic. So, there are other options. Carpooling is a great option, although it may be a bit out of the way to pick up your carpool partner, it is a small thing you can do to help the world one car ride at a time. Public transportation is also a good idea, especially in Fort Collins. There are buses galore and it is easy to find one going where you need to be. Plus it is a great place to watch weird people doing weird things. Like knitting.

4. Turn off lights, save electricity.

Seems like turning off lights in your house wouldn't help too much, but any electricity saved is a bonus. Maybe you could go old fashion and start using candles around the house, it would help give you an excuse to make a romantic dinner for that special someone.

5. Take a bath, shower together, save water.

Another simple, yet effective way to help the planet. Don't use so much water, don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth, or doing dishes (I am guilty of this one). It is a simple step but a necessary one to make the planet last a little longer.

Together, if everyone does a little to help save this place we call home, we can make a difference. We can help this planet and if we get some scientists on our side, we may even be able to save it. But we all must do something, even if it is as small as switching to reusable bottles. Let's save this planet. Let's save our home.