Last week we celebrated Earth Day, a day dedicated to environmental protection. But we think that Earth Day and the sentiment behind it is one that should be recognized every day. In that spirit, we've rounded up some great (easy!) ways to reduce waste and your impact on the environment.

Bring reusable bags when you go shopping, and pack lunches and snacks in reusable containers and lunch boxes.

Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, which can be a great amount of wasted paper. Here are some great tips for getting off of junk mailing lists.

Sign up to get bills and bank statements wirelessly instead of in the mail.

Buy in bulk to reduce packaging. Be careful that you're not just buying a large box of individually packaged smaller items.

Don't use disposable water bottles or cups; get a reusable water bottle and travel coffee mug.

Make a meal plan for the week before you go grocery shopping. This will prevent you buying too much food that will eventually go bad and need to be thrown away.

Stop using paper like paper towels or napkins, and instead use rags, hand towels and cloth napkins.

Buying cleaning supplies that are concentrated, or make your own using these DIY tips.

Buy used whenever possible, especially items like children's clothes and toys, which they quickly outgrow. If you have unwanted items in good condition, always donate instead of throwing them away.

Use rechargeable batteries. It's a bit more expensive at first, but will reduce your costs and waste in the long run.

We know cutting waste can seem overwhelming, but starting with a few simple tips like these can make it a lot easier!