Sometimes, living a little greener sounds suspiciously like another job.

Buy this. Replace that. Remember six different reusable containers before leaving the house.

But, helping the environment doesn't always require us to add anything else to our to-do lists.

Sometimes, the easier choice is also the greener one.

1. Buy the Bigger Bottle

Sometimes, a bigger package can mean less packaging overall.

For things we know we'll use, such as coffee, rice, shampoo, or laundry detergent, buying a larger size or concentrated version can cut down on the amount of packaging that eventually gets tossed.

According to the EPA, buying in bulk and reducing packaging are forms of waste prevention.

Of course, buying a gallon of something we’ll only use twice a year rather defeats the purpose.

But, for our regular staples, one big container may be better than a parade of little ones.

2. Stop Washing Your Clothes After Every Wear

Speaking of laundry detergent, not everything we wear needs an immediate trip to the washing machine.

The American Cleaning Institute says jeans, dress clothes, pajamas, and some other items can often be worn several times before washing, depending on stains, sweat, and how they've been used.

Fewer unnecessary washes means less water, energy, and wear on our clothes.

3. Stop Treating “Best By” Like an Eviction Notice

A date on a food package doesn't always mean the food suddenly becomes unsafe at midnight.

According to the USDA, “Best if Used By” generally refers to quality rather than safety. 

Of course, things like infant formula are an important exception.

But, before tossing something out because of the date, check what the label means and whether the food shows any signs of spoilage.

4. Freeze Food Before It Becomes a Science Experiment

We've all watched a loaf of bread or bunch of bananas approach the point of no return.

If you’re approaching that Best By date and don’t think you’ll use it in time, the EPA says we can freeze bread, fruit, leftovers, meat, and other foods we know we won't eat in time.

Basically, the freezer buys us another chance to remember they exist.

5. Let the Lawn Get a Little Shaggy

Let’s move outside. Did you know that a perfectly manicured lawn isn't necessarily doing nature any favors?

Allowing a few flowering plants that are often considered weeds to grow can provide nectar and pollen for pollinators.

That doesn't mean surrendering the entire yard to the wilderness.

But, letting one area get a little less perfect may give the bees something to work with.

6. Borrow the Thing You'll Only Use Once

Do we really need to own a carpet cleaner, party punch bowl, or power tool we'll use once every three years?

Maybe not.

We can always borrow, rent, or share things we won't use regularly, and our garages will thank us. 

7. Buy a Little Less in the First Place

Perhaps the easiest green habit is also the most obvious.

Before buying something, we should really consider if we need it, already own something that will work, or could borrow it instead.

That applies to clothes, kitchen gadgets, home decor, and whatever mysterious object an online ad suddenly convinced us we've been missing all our lives.

A Little Less Can Still Make a Big Difference

None of these habits requires us to become perfect environmentalists.

We don't have to overhaul our homes, replace everything we own, or suddenly become experts on every item that goes into the recycling bin.

Sometimes, being a little greener means using what we already have, wasting less, and thinking twice before buying something new.

We may just need to wash a little less, throw away a little less, and occasionally leave the credit card alone.

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