Although much of necessary protections for the environment need to come from the government (call and write your government officials, both at the local and national levels!), there are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our footprint on the earth. Most of them are very easy, and many of them even save money.

1. Wash all your clothes in cold, tap water

I make an exception for things like underwear, socks, and towels.

2. Plant wildflowers and leave out sugar water to help the bees

Just make sure the wildflowers you plant aren't an invasive species!

3. Instead of using paper towels, consider investing in microfiber towels

This helps reduce the amount of waste your household produces and helps to save the trees. Another idea I've seen is to cut up old t-shirts to use as cleaning rags (after they've been washed of course).

4. Buy reusable water bottles instead of disposable plastic bottles

Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it's also more moral, as the plastic water bottle industry is surprisingly corrupt.

5. Use reusable bags when shopping, and not just at grocery stores

I keep about ten reusable bags in my car trunk and just grab a couple before I go into a store.

6. Turn the water off when you're not using it

This obviously applies to brushing your teeth, but showering and washing your hands as well.

7. Don't buy disposable kitchenware

It stinks in college when you have to wash your bowls in a bathroom sink, but it does ultimately save money. For the upcoming semester I'm investing in a $5 set of bamboo cutlery from Amazon. If you really need disposable plates or bowls, consider buying bamboo instead of paper. Bamboo grows much faster than trees.

8. Consider thrifting

The fast fashion industry is an environmental disaster. Not only does shopping at thrift stores save resources and prevent clothing from going to landfills, but it also means you're not supporting companies that make their clothes in sweatshops. Plus it's a lot cheaper.

9. Ditch dryer sheets and using an alternative, like dryer balls, instead

Many dryer sheets contain toxins and also produce more household waste. If you're feeling really adventurous, skip the dryer completely and let your clothes air dry.

10. Attempt composting!

Find a guide online to help you, and use it to fertilize a garden. There are all kinds of easy ways to grow a garden organically, which saves you money and means you're not contributing to factory farms that often use harmful pesticides.

11. Eat less beef

The beef industry releases far more carbon dioxide than any other meat industry. Turkey or vegetarian alternatives are better for your health and still just as delicious. Fruits and vegetables also require a smaller amount of space to grow than animals, which means more food can be grown in less space.

12. Buy in bulk when possible (but only if you're going to use it all)

Buying in bigger containers often saves the amount of resources that go into packaging.

13. Try to buy less plastic items

Instead opt for products that use more environmentally friendly materials, like bamboo, cloth, stainless steel, or wood.

14. Buy more natural cleaning products

Seventh Generation is a great brand for this. If you're really up for a challenge, you could try making your own cleaning and hygiene products by using guides that can be bought or found online.