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Swivel doors - According to a specialized article published in Slate, revolving doors help reduce the cooling and heating costs of a building.

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Say no to plastic bags - When shopping, do not use plastic bags in the supermarket - buy a fabric bag instead. Although more expensive, it is often reusable and does not harm the environment, unlike the large amount and waste of plastic bags that exists almost everywhere in the world.

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Skip the at-home car wash - According to the International Carwash Association, an average person uses twice as much water if they wash their car alone with a hose, versus taking the vehicle to an automatic laundromat.

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Fluorescent lights - Choosing fluorescent bulbs instead of conventional bulbs is a good step towards consuming less energy. Plus they last eight times longer!

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Always enjoy leftovers - It is likely that there's always some leftovers after you've finished cooking dinner. But make sure you don't throw any of it away and learn different ways to enjoy it all. You can make various dishes with only leftovers or have it for lunch the next day.

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Avoid using plastic cups and bottles - Disposable cups are one of the most wasted products in the world. Whether they're water bottles or coffee cups, these products can easily be replaced with containers of your own. In some parts of the world, Starbucks even offers discounts to people who bring their own mugs.

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Pay bills online - If you pay all your bills online, you will avoid paper consumption and at the same time save at least one tree.

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Reduce your meat consumption - We are not suggesting that you become a full-time vegetarian; however, the beef is responsible for producing a huge amount of methane. This gas is extremely harmful to the environment, so reducing red meat consumption will not only help the planet, it'll also be good for your diet.

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Don't litter - This seems like a given, but the reality is that even in the 21st century, there are still people who think it is okay to throw any kind of plastic or other product onto the street. There are several garbage bins located around every corner of each major city, or you can always carry a small bag on you to throw your trash into.

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Plan what you buy - Do not go to the supermarket without a shopping list. This way, you'll avoid purchasing unnecessary products you won't use and end up disposing of. It's both a money saver and better for the world! A win-win.

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Be conscious of your shower time - A good, fun, and entertaining way to keep track of the time you spend in the shower is to select a couple of tracks to play while you lather up. This way, when your couple of songs end, you'll know it's time to hop out.

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Reusable water bottle - Use a reusable bottle to store your water and avoid plastic water bottles. The plastic bottles are made with petroleum. If you stop using them, you are also reducing the consumption of this very harmful substance to the environment.

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Turn off the tap - While you are brushing your teeth or shaving, there is no need to have the tap running. Wasting water this way is unnecessary and is one of the simplest changes you can make.

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Use the dishwasher - According to the University of California, if you use a dishwasher instead of hand washing your plates, you are saving at least 70 liters of water per year; however, make sure that the machine is always full before you run it.

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Plant a tree - Planting a tree is simple and there are campaigns that happen almost every year in various parts of the world that promote this activity. There is no fee and you'd be helping areas that are likely lacking vegetation due to fires and other environmental problems.

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Beware of exfoliating creams - Avoid using exfoliating creams that contain silicone micro beads. These small particles eventually end up in the sea and harm the health of marine species.

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Make the most of natural sunlight - During the day, whenever it is possible to enjoy the natural light in your house, there is no reason to be turning on lights indoors.

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Enjoy water - You probably use hot water for your baths but you can take advantage of the cold water that comes out in excess. Save it in jars and use it, for example, for your flushing.

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Slow down - As The Guardian explains, if you drive at 80 km/h, you are consuming about 10 to 25% less fuel. So you will both save money and reduce emissions.

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Bicycle - Choosing a bike as your mode of transportation will not only 'force' you to exercise, and save you money on fuel, it will also reduce the CO2 emissions that come from driving a car. 

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Walk - Just as riding a bike is a healthy option, so is walking! Do not drive your car to the cafe or grocery store that is less than a kilometer from your home. Choose to walk, and reduce the effect of fuels on the environment.

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Recycle - Is there any simpler change than separating the trash, so it can be reused? Recycling is an easy way to embrace sustainability practices. 

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No glass in the trash - Avoid putting any type of glass in the trash. Glass can take up to a million years to fully decompose.

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Make the next move - This solution may not be applicable to all; but if you are in a committed relationship, and you and your partner are both ready to take that next step, why not move in together? Choosing to live with your partner will have you spending on only one home rather than two.

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Use a smaller plate - When eating at a buffet, opt for a smaller plate. This will avoid you filling up an entire plate with food that you'll then not consume in its entirety, which in turn will get thrown away. 

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Carpool - If you work far and driving is truly the only way to get there, you can start carpooling with your colleagues. This way, you'll all save money and only be using one car, which is great for you and the environment!

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Gifts - Wrap your presents in tissue, not paper. The fabric is more beautiful than most wrapping paper and it is reusable!

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Spread the word -

The best way to ensure the sustainability of the environment is to teach others too. Share this gallery with your friends and family!

See also: Celebrities who champion environmentalism

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