Are you ready to celebrate Earth Day in style?  It's the perfect time to reflect on our relationship with the planet and make some easy change that will help us live more sustainably.  Don't worry, we're not going to ask you to sell your car and start riding your bike everywhere, or wear hemp clothing and stop eating meat.  Instead, we've put together five easy habit changes that you can adopt today to become more eco-friendly. 

1.  Buy Less Stuff

Plain and simple.  The more stuff you buy today, the more stuff ends up in landfill down the road.  Before you buy the next shiny new object, really ask yourself - is it truly necessary?  If the answer is no, resist the temptation and do not buy it.

One trick that I've adopted in my family over the years is that for every new item that we purchase and bring into our home whether its a new piece of clothing or a new toy, we must get rid of an old item first.  This has made our kids think twice before requesting a new toy as it is a challenge to part with something that has sentimental value.

2. Go for Quality

If you must buy something, then always go for quality and longevity.  My economics 101 course professor had it hammered into our heads ~ "there is no such thing as a free lunch".  What you pay is what you get.  A $200 vacuum will have a shorter lifespan and end up in landfill sooner than a $700 vacuum.

3. Buy Second Hand

If you must buy and don't have the budget to go for quality, consider shopping second hand. A high quality item bought second hand may still last you longer than a low quality item brand new.

I once picked up a Crate & Barrel glass bookshelf that normally retails for $1,200 brand new for $400 on Marketplace.  The bookshelf was as good as new, and we've now given it a second life.

4. "Time Share"

if you must buy, don't have the budget to go for quality and don't want to buy second hand, consider a "time share" arrangement if feasible. This works especially well for household electronics or small appliances that don't get used that often e.g. lawn mower, sewing machine, steam cleaner, etc.

Have your family, siblings or neighbours chip into one steam cleaner so that not every household has to purchase one. The less we consume collectively, the less ends up in landfill.

5. Ground Delivery

If you're buying something online and you're not in a rush to receive it, then select the longest delivery timeframe possible.  Delivering a package via the railroad or a vehicle has a much lower carbon footprint than a package shipped by air.

Making eco-friendly changes doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult, even for someone who is extremely busy with work and parenting.  By incorporating these small changes into your daily routine, like buying less stuff or shopping second hand where possible, you can make a significant difference in reducing your environmental impact.

It's important to remember that every action counts, no matter how small.  By taking these simple steps, you can help create a more sustainable future for yourself, your family and the planet.  

So, don't wait.  Tell us below: which of these easy habits will you be adopting today?