Do just one thing

Many communities and major cities are adopting rules to outlaw disposable plastic shopping bags and encourage the use of reusable bags as a way to cut down on single-use plastics. But for those on fixed incomes, not having a stash of reusable bags could be reality. To help, consider doing a drive to collect unwanted, lightly used canvas and plastic heavy-duty reusable bags to share. You can also partner with a popular local store — like a supermarket — to do a drive to share bags for those who are unprepared for new bag-ban regulations.

BOTTLED WATER FROM TAP

Just because there are pretty flowers or flowing streams on the front of the plastic water bottle doesn’t mean what’s inside is pure. The Natural Resources Defense Council found that over onequarter of all bottled water is actually from the tap. And even if it’s filtered, they still found instances where this water had chemical phthalates, mold, arsenic and even E. coli in samples. Even more concerning, you have no idea if that chilled bottle previously was stored under conditions where excessive heat could leach chemicals into the water. Just a friendly reminder: Use a reusable bottle and fill it with clean tap water.

KEEP HUMID AIR

A naturally warm home is also a humid one. Humid air retains heat better than dry air. Among the easiest ways to help capture naturally humid air are two things: Let the hot, humid air from your morning shower waft from the bathroom into the rest of the house, and also do as much cooking as possible in your home. Also, running a humidifier can add moisture to the room, helping to maintain heat and also create a more comfortable living environment.

GIFTS FOR CHARITY

A gift registry is a simple way to make sure everything you’re receiving for a special occasion is something you actually need and can use. But what do you do if you really don’t want any more material things for yourself or your home? A good alternative is to choose a local charity and have them create a wish list that your friends and family can help fulfill. Or, if you have a housewarming, why not select trees, bushes and other plants from your local landscaping store so you can create a natural oasis of your favorite plants?

DO SOME PRUNING

Did you know the fall and winter months are the best time to prune trees, hedges and shrubs? It’s not only because the plants can handle the cuts better and heal faster; it’s also because it’s kinder for wild animals. In the spring months, birds start to carefully build nests hidden inside trees and bushes. If you haphazardly cut away in the spring, you risk scaring away birds who might abandon their newly built homes. If you must prune in the spring, do it carefully and observe if any birds are flying in and out of the area frequently.

USE MOOD LIGHTING

One trick interior decorators use to make a space feel more special is to install dimmer switches so you can control the amount of light a fixture produces. But does a dimmer also mean energy savings? Turns out, mood lighting is also a good thing for the environment. It works because light dimmers reduce the flow of electricity to a fixture, which means the bulbs work at lower power outputs. It also means the lightbulbs will last longer, since there’s less wear and tear on them, too.

REPLACE HVAC FILTERS

Air filters are critical for your HVAC system to keep things like allergens and dust/dirt particles from blowing around your home. The filters work, but they need to be replaced when they get too dirty. And a dirty filter can reduce airflow, which forces your HVAC system to work extra hard. Since filters need to be replaced on a regular basis and can be easily forgotten, consider signing up for a subscription service to have filters automatically sent to you when you need to replace your old ones.