It took the story of a burning river in Ohio for Americans to finally take notice. 

On June 22, 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire—oil and debris floating on its surface ignited, setting off national outrage. The incident made headlines, even landing in Time magazine, and helped shine a spotlight on just how bad pollution had become in the U.S.

Back then, Americans nonchalantly fed leaded gasoline into their powerful V8s and factories spewed out smoke and sludge with little fear of consequences—or even bad press. To many, it was just the price of prosperity. 

But the tide was beginning to turn. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book, “Silent Spring,” awakened the world to the dangers of pollution and its devastating impact on human health and the environment. Inspired by her work, then-Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin proposed the first Earth Day in 1970. On April 22 of that year, 20 million Americans took to streets, parks and auditoriums to protest oil spills, toxic dumping, vanishing wildlife and more.

Now a global movement, Earth Day continues to inspire change. In honor of its 55th anniversary, here are 10 easy ways to make life a little greener—and a lot better for you.

1. Ditch the plastic bags

Reusable bags are already part of our grocery store routine. Canvas totes are strong, washable and useful for everything from groceries to day trips. They’re a lot less likely to tear than plastic bags—and they won’t end up polluting our parks, rivers or trails.

2. Tame your thermostat

Nearly half of the average electric bill goes toward heating and cooling. The most costly appliances to run are air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps, which account for a whopping 46 percent of the average American electric bill. A digital thermostat can help regulate your energy use more efficiently and may save you over $140 per year. Small changes, like setting your system a few degrees lower in winter or higher in summer, add up fast.

3. Choose reef-safe sunscreen

Scan sunscreen labels before slathering it on. Sun worshippers should avoid sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and/or octinoxate, which harm coral reefs and marine life. Also steer clear of sunscreens containing Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), which may increase the risk of skin damage and tumors.

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4. Clean green

Skip the chemical cleaners. Eco-friendly cleaning products work naturally and without unpleasant (and potentially dangerous) chemical residue. Many are made with everyday ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda and are safe, affordable and effective. Find a list of trusted products at EWG.org

5. Cut food waste, compost the rest

About half of all food produced and consumed in America is discarded—the average American household tosses nearly 500 pounds of food each year. Composting fruit peels, veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells and more helps reduce landfill waste, enriches your soil and shrinks your carbon footprint.

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6. Eat local and organic 

Fresh, local organic food often tastes better than anything from the supermarket—and it’s better for your health and the planet. Local produce doesn’t require long-distance trucking, organic foods tend to have more nutrients, and organic farms avoid harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers markets are great places to shop, but keep in mind not all vendors are certified organic—so it’s worth asking.

7. Use less energy and save more money

These small tweaks can lead to big savings:

• Switch to LED bulbs 
• Unplug unused electronics 
• Shorten your daily shower by one minute
• Skip your dishwasher’s heat-dry cycle 
• Wash laundry in cold water 

8. Save water where it counts

Cutting back on water usage at home means a lower monthly bill and conserving a precious resource. Install low-flow toilets and showerheads to cut water use by up to 30 percent. Keep showers short and turn off the water while you lather up, then turn it on when you’re ready to rinse. Every drop counts—especially in drought-prone regions like ours.

9. Drive less, breathe better

Cars account for about 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. By leaving your car at home, you can help reduce air pollution, improve your health and save money. Walk or bike short distances or take public transit when possible. A four-mile bike ride can keep 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air (and maybe some pounds off your waist). If you’re car shopping, consider a hybrid or electric vehicle.

10. Recycle smarter 

Each year, nearly 100 tons of recyclables are placed in bins, giving new life to items that would otherwise end up in landfills. Smart recycling habits make a big difference: flatten cardboard boxes to save space, and recycle paper products like newspapers, envelopes, greeting cards and even phone books. Metals like empty spray cans, tin foil and food cans can be recycled, and glass can be reused endlessly. Just be sure to rinse containers, leave caps on plastic bottles and keep non-recyclables out of the bin.