There’s no denying that trying to live a more sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyle is one of the challenges for the 21st century, and that it’s one that many people are trying to take up. However, while going green may sound daunting, the reality is that even by taking a few small steps, you can decrease your waste and energy consumption, and reduce your impact on our environment. Have a look at these tips for a few simple pointers. Use energy-saving globes. Yes, energy saving light bulbs do seem more expensive, but they last longer, and use less power, so in the long run, you’ll be saving money while you reduce your energy consumption. Switch off at the power point. Did you know that even when appliances are switched off, or set to standby, they still consume power? Try turning off your television, microwave, and other appliances at the power point when they’re not in use. Reuse and recycle. Rather than throwing out your leftover food, see if it can be reused in lunches or turned into an additional meal. Soups are great for this. Also aim to reuse your plastic shopping bags as garbage bin liners, or recycle them where possible—many supermarkets allow you to do this. Rethink your car’s make and usage. Cars have a huge impact on the environment, so you should consider both the type of car you drive, and how often you drive it. When buying a new car, aim for one that’s smaller and fuel-efficient, and try not to use it if you don’t really need to—try walking or riding your bike if you’re only planning to travel a short distance.