The following is a guest post from our sponsor, Home Hardware.

Living an eco-friendly life doesn’t require you to live off the grid with solar panels and rain filtration systems. You can do your part just by being mindful of your daily habits and making greener choices that are healthier for the environment. Here are five simple tips to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle:

1. Eliminate single-use plastics – Single-use plastics such as bags, water bottles, and straws often end up in landfills or oceans, where they break down into microplastics and are consumed by marine animals. Finding reusable alternatives to single-use plastic items is an easy way to do your part for the environment and eco-system. Home Hardware has a variety of eco-friendly products such as reusable shopping bags, reusable straws, and reusable water bottles.
   
2. Reuse, refurbish, or repair items – When you’re purging household items during spring cleaning or home renovations, consider looking for ways to give outdated items a second chance at life. If it’s a piece of furniture that needs a simple repair or facelift, embrace your inner DIY spirit! By fixing up old items instead of buying new, you are also saving yourself money. If you are getting rid of clothing, kitchenware, furniture, or toys and games in good condition, try donating them to a thrift store first.
   
   
3. Reduce household waste – Adding a second recycling bin to your home so you can separate your paper and plastic before taking it outside each week is a great way to encourage recycling and save on time. Also, instead of throwing your food scraps in the garbage, use a kitchen compost bin, or “green bin”, that you can put out for municipal curbside collection. If that’s not an option in your neighbourhood, consider a backyard composter. Once the food waste breaks down, it can be used as garden fertilizer, which is a win for you and the environment.
   
   
   
   
4. Shop local – Shopping local is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, while supporting small businesses. Home Hardware has over 1,050 locations across Canada, so it’s easy to find a store near you with an assortment of green products, and employees who are available to help you with projects, big and small.
   
   
5. Improve the efficiency of your home – These days, there are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient. Investing in “greener” appliances and fixtures will offer a return in reduced utility costs over time. If you are buying a new appliance or light bulb, consider one that is Energy Star certified. Smart thermostats are another easy way to help you save energy. Simply wash your clothes with cold water and hang them to dry for a simple way to conserve energy in your home.