When moving into your new home, you already have so much on your mind that saving the environment might feel like a bit of a stretch. But what if we told you a few simple changes could make a big difference? Don’t feel like you need to go all out and place bamboo floors and compost heaps in your house all at once. Instead, ease into green living with these three simple changes: 

Canvas Bags

Say, “Neither,” to the common plastic or paper question at the grocery store. Stock up on several canvas bags, and keep them in your backseat, so you’ll always have them on hand when you go to the store. The same goes for replacing your plastic or paper lunch sack with one you can wash and reuse over and over. Reusing your canvas bags in place of plastic and paper bags are a small, easy change, which can cause a big difference in the environment.  

Screw in LEDs and CFL

While turning the lights out every time you open the window or opening the curtains instead of turning on the lamp can certainly help reduce energy, so can replacing your old light bulbs with Light Emitting Diodes (LED) or Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL). These two light bulbs are energy-efficient, which may even save you money on your energy bills down the road.  

Turn off Spam and Paper Statements

Just think how many times you’ve sifted through envelope after envelope in your mailbox only to find all of it was junk. On top of that, think of all the bills and statements you receive each month. To save paper, the environment, and space in your mailbox, opt out of junk mail, and turn on electronic statements. You can even save yourself an envelope and stamps by paying for your bills online, too.

Start small and work your way up. Incorporate other green strategies as you feel more comfortable with green living, and as you further settle into your new home.