World Earth Day is all about honouring this beautiful planet we live on and doing what we can to look after it. Here are 10 simple ways you can help our planet:

1. Recycle.

Seemingly small habits can combine to have a powerful effect and recycling is a great example of this. If you are already recycling, take another look at how your household is using it and how you could improve your efforts. Get your entire household involved and brainstorm ideas!

2. Invest in a reusable coffee cup.

Saving 5 disposable coffee cups and lids a week from landfill is around 300 over a year! Bring your reusable coffee mug to your regular coffee shop and ask them to put the coffee in there — some chains will even give you a discount.

3. Use earth-friendly cleaning products.

Cutting down on harsh chemicals that you use in your household is not only good for the environment but good for you and your wallet. Search online for natural, home-made alternatives. It’s amazing what some vinegar and baking soda can do!

4. Use reusable shopping bags.

There are so many reusable bags that fold up to a tiny size for easy storage in your bag or car, ready for when you stop to shop. Designate separate bags for meat and dairy items, and remember to clean the bags on a regular basis to prevent harmful germs from accumulating and spreading.

5. Use reusable food covers rather than cling film.

Disposable packaging definitely offers convenience, but it’s not the most environmentally friendly option. Try  reusable beeswax food wraps to fold up around foods and cover bowls of leftovers or seal them up in reusable containers.

6. Keep a set of cutlery and a reusable straw in your car.

We throw away millions of single-use, disposable straws and cutlery pieces every day. Instead, keep a set of reusable ones —made from stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo — in your car. They won’t break and are easy to clean in the dishwasher.

7. Be vegetarian for the day.

Not only will giving up meat for a meal open you up to other food options, it’s better for the planet, as the meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. There are plenty of easy and delicious vegetarian recipes online, so for one day why not give it a go!

8. Compost.

Setting up a compost bin is a great Earth Day project and it only takes a few hours. Food waste and other organic rubbish doesn’t decompose properly at landfills because it doesn’t get enough air and ends up creating methane gas in the process. Composting biodegradable food and materials is a great way to feed soil, organisms in the soil and plant life while reducing waste.

9. Refuse to buy fruit and veg wrapped in plastic.

Most large grocery chains have fresh fruits and vegetables that don’t come prepackaged. Or shop at a local farmers’ market. Not only will you be supporting growers in your area, but buying local helps save transportation energy and fossil fuels.

10. Go paperless.

Think about how much paper you can save just by getting bank statements and bills sent electronically and paid the same way. It’s the same with event or travel tickets. Most places don’t require physical copies anymore. Make the switch from paper receipts, bills, and other paper forms and copies to digital.

Every little bit helps and changing small habits creates a big impact.