10 Easy Ways You Can Help The Planet And Celebrate Earth Day

Sure energy efficient light bulbs cost a little more at the register, but the facts prove that energy efficient bulbs save you money on your electric bill in the long run. Help the environment, save money, this one is a no-brainer.

We're producing more electronics waste than ever before, with tons of old cell phones, DVDs and computers, going into our landfills everyday. Many of these contain dangerous chemicals that can soak into our soil and water. A simple Google search for e-waste recycling will help you find a center in your city to recycle them at, and in some cases they'll even pay you for your old electronics junk!

Plastic garbage is one of the biggest threats to our oceans and a lot of that waste is due to plastic bottles. Our consumption of plastic bottles makes us more dependent on oil and cost you the consumer unnecessary dollars. Buy a sturdy reusable bottle for your water and stop buying bottled water once and for all.

We do nearly everything else online these days, so what's the point of holding onto the tradition of paying bills via paper? Every bill you have is able to be paid online, so stop being lazy and switch over to e-billing already.

We're living in an age of extinction the Earth hasn't seen since the ice age and many of our largest animals might not make it to the end of the century. For as little as $20 in some cases, you can symbolically adopt an endangered animal and help contribute to the conservation of their species.

A study published by National Geographic estimated that between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year. Many of those plastic bags end up in streams and rivers from overflowing landfills. By bringing your own reusable bags to the store with you, you're not only cutting down on plastic waste, but you'll be able to fit more groceries in the bag.

A tree, a flower, a bush, a vegetable garden, it doesn't matter. Just plant something because we can never have too much plant life.

There are lots of ways you can make your yard more friendly to the creatures in your neighborhood. Put up a bat house or a bird feeder, set up a rock garden for lizards or install a bird bath. The more welcoming your yard is to wildlife the more likely they are to visit.

We're not saying you have to ditch the car completely and walk that 10-mile route to work, but it's all about flexibility. Look at the usual places you visit during a normal week and try to pick out one or two that you can walk to or ride a bike instead of driving. You'll save gas, get exercise and avoid having to look for parking.

Ever hear the phrase, "if you don't use it, you lose it"? Well, that can be said for our parks, too. They're to be treasured and enjoyed, so get out there and visit them! Find out how you can volunteer at them or simply try to make a point to visit them more frequently and enjoy them for what they are.