10 Surprising High Impact Actions that are kinder to the planet

When we think about going green, we often focus on recycling, reducing plastic use, or driving less. But some of the most powerful ways to help the planet are the ones we don’t always hear about. From switching search engines to rethinking where you shop, small changes can have a massive ripple effect.

Here are some unexpected but highly effective ways to reduce your environmental impact.

1. Choose Digital Over Paper—But Be Smart About It

While going paperless is generally a good idea, not all digital options are created equal. Streaming services, cloud storage, and endless emails contribute to massive carbon emissions from data centers. Instead:

Unsubscribe from unread emails (they have a carbon footprint!) using Unroll.me
Opt for eco-friendly cloud storage like Tresorit
Download music and videos instead of repeatedly streaming

2. Reduce Meat Consumption Without Going Vegan

You don’t have to go fully plant-based to make an impact. Even cutting back on meat a few days a week significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. Try:

Meatless Mondays
Replacing beef with chicken or plant-based options (beef has the highest environmental footprint)
Exploring sustainable seafood choices with guides like Seafood Watch

3. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Even with the best intentions, we all leave a carbon footprint. But you can counteract it by supporting carbon offset programs. Companies like Cool Effect and Gold Standard let you invest in projects that reduce emissions worldwide—like reforestation, wind energy, and clean cooking stoves.

4. Use Public Libraries Instead of Buying New

Buying new books, magazines, and DVDs requires energy, paper, and shipping emissions. Instead, support your local library! Many libraries also offer free digital lending via apps like Libby so you can borrow eBooks and audiobooks without the footprint of physical production.

5. Advocate for Policy Changes

Individual actions matter, but policy changes create large-scale impact. Get involved by:

Signing petitions on EarthJustice or Change.org
Finding out how your representatives vote on climate policies via GovTrack
Calling or emailing your representatives about climate bills (use a template from Environmental Defense Fund)

6. Rethink Your Travel Plans

Flights have a massive carbon footprint. Instead of defaulting to air travel:

Consider train travel (especially in Europe, where it’s easy and scenic!)
Take a bus or carpool for road trips
Choose direct flights when you must fly, as takeoffs and landings create the most emissions
Use carbon offset programs when booking flights

7. Search Engine Overhaul

Google might be the king of search engines, but did you know that Ecosia plants trees with every search? This eco-friendly search engine has already planted over 190 million trees by using ad revenue to support reforestation projects. So, by simply switching your default search engine, you can contribute to global reforestation—without spending a dime!

8. Bank With a Green Bank

Where you keep your money matters. Traditional banks often invest in fossil fuels and environmentally harmful industries. Green banks, like Aspiration and Amalgamated Bank, fund renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable projects instead. By switching to an ethical bank, your money can support a greener future.

9. Say No to Amazon

Amazon’s convenience is tempting, but its environmental cost is staggering. The company’s massive carbon footprint, excessive packaging, and warehouse waste contribute to pollution and deforestation. Instead, consider supporting local businesses, second-hand marketplaces like ThredUp or Facebook Marketplace, and ethical online retailers on lists like this one from Pebble Mag.

10. Repair Instead of Replace

Fast fashion and planned obsolescence encourage a throwaway culture. Instead of tossing out broken electronics, torn clothes, or damaged furniture, learn to repair them! Check out a local repair café where volunteers help share skills and fix household items, or join an online repair community like iFixit. Keeping products in use longer reduces waste and saves money!

Every Small Action Adds Up

The choices we make every day—where we bank, how we shop, and even how we search online—can collectively create powerful environmental change. Challenge yourself to adopt just one or two of these unexpected eco-friendly habits and inspire others to do the same!

What surprising green habits have you adopted? Share your tips in the comments below!

From switching search engines to rethinking where you shop, small changes can have a massive ripple effect. Here are some unexpected but highly effective ways to reduce your environmental impact.