As someone who has worked on climate issues throughout my career, I can tell you that even the most climate-focused organizations are making poor choices when it comes to sustainability. I once worked at an organization that drove crucial environmental policies, but that wasted extensive energy consumption on overcooling the office in the summers and overheating it in the winters. Within those four walls, the seasons seemed to change.

This is just one example of the many small ways large corporations cause careless waste. Simple fixes (in this case, better temperature control) can help companies all over the world cut back on energy consumption. It matters because it adds up. Globally, energy use in commercial buildings amounts to 6.6% of all emissions. Tackling climate change requires urgent agreements and structural changes in the arenas of politics and business. That does not mean, however, that we have to wait it out.

The United Nations’ Act Now initiative point towards a growing consensus that individual-led climate solutions are inexpensive, low-effort, and are valuable ways to support the environment within our capacities. So, if you are serious about sustainability, here is how to expand your sphere of influence as an everyday climate activist.

Big changes start with small actions.

Start by questioning your consumption. What materials are your everyday items, like your toothbrush or wastebasket, made of? Can you swap them with items made from sustainable materials like bamboo? Do you take long showers or bucket baths? Can you invest in low-flow showerheads to save water (and bills)? What ingredients are your grooming products and cleaning products made of? You can swap your floor cleaner with homemade, environmentally friendly cleaning agents like vinegar and water. These choices count. Opting for sustainably grown, durable products that can be recycled helps in reducing your carbon footprint.

Make meaningful purchases.

Cities get a bad rep when it comes to waste generation, and with good reason. The world generates 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste every year, which is set to rise by 70% to 3.40 billion tons by 2050, according to World Bank data. To do your part in counteracting this, buy only the things you need or things that will last longer.

For example, instead of switching your laptop bags often to make a fashion statement, opt for vegan leather, or other inexpensive but durable materials that last longer.  When it comes to work wear, make sustainable fashion more than a trend by purchasing basic pieces that can be worn in many ways. Not only is this good for the environment, it’s also good for your budget.

Pay attention to how your clothing items are produced, too. Organic cotton production, for instance, emits significantly less carbon than traditional cotton and improves farmers’ access to clean water and sanitation. Another option is to frequent thrift stores and boost the circular economy.

Recycle, reuse, reduce.

The three Rs help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, conserve natural resources, save energy, and reduce greenhouse emissions. What does this practice look like in our daily lives? Don’t buy a new table lamp if you can repair your existing one at a small cost. Swap plastic bottles for empty wine or glass bottles to store water. (There’s beauty in mismatched jar caps!) Studies show that North American office-goers collectively throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. You can advocate for glass bottles or water pitchers at work instead of plastic or single-use bottles. Ditch single-use plates and cutlery at your next house party, and keep a reusable set in the office that will come in handy for when you may have to order in. If you’re going to an office dinner and foresee leftovers, carry containers from home to get the food back.

The current U.S. recycling rate is around 32%. If we’re able to get the rate to 75%, it would be like removing 50 million passenger cars from U.S. roads. At work, you can play a part by encouraging colleagues to go paperless: Take digital notes and send out presentation decks a day in advance instead of printing them for everyone for the meeting. When necessary, use both sides of a paper while printing documents.

You can ask your office to install separate bins to encourage waste segregation and you can organize recycling drives with our co-workers. For example, carbonated beverage cans are made of aluminum that can be recycled. In fact, there is no limit to the number of times aluminum can be recycled. Consider the quantum of waste that will be prevented from going to the landfill through simple initiatives like doing a waste audit with your peers to see what can be recycled.

Be smart with your e-waste.

According to a UN report, the world produces about 50 million tons of e-waste (electronic products that are unwanted, broken, or used up) annually, reportedly weighing more than all the commercial airlines ever made. Only 20% of this is recycled formally, creating hazardous working conditions for those who collect, repair, recycle and dispose of e-waste informally. Remember this when you are looking to discard an old phone.

Being responsible for e-waste ties into broader attempts at decluttering and recycling, encouraging circular economies, and limiting production processes contributing to emissions. At your organization, ask about the company policy on old laptops and devices. Find a way to mobilize your colleagues, pool your e-waste, and donate them to individuals and organizations working to process e-waste sustainably.

Make wiser food choices.

Take a good look at what is sitting on your kitchen shelf and ask where it comes from: How was it grown, how were the ingredients sourced, and how has it been packaged? These choices matter because the food industry accounts for 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions from fisheries, land use, and crop feed to transport, packaging, and retail.

There are ways to minimize this: Although carbon emissions from food production are spoken about widely, almost one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions are generated by transportation, so buy seasonal produce. You can also opt for organic produce if your pocket allows for it. Purchase your vegetables in smaller quantities and more frequently to reduce food wastage. With a little extra effort, you can also reduce the food that ends up in landfills by creating a weekly menu to ensure you’re using up what you purchase.

Non-consumed food accounts for 8% to 10% of global GHG emissions. To reduce food waste, you could organize potluck evenings or team lunches where colleagues are encouraged to get creative with their leftovers.

Move around responsibly.

A recent study showed that individuals in the EU who gave up private car ownership were able to reduce their carbon footprint by 40%. If that sounds drastic, consider carpooling just once a week, and build it up over time. Sharing rides, using public transport when possible, and living close enough to your place of work to walk or bike are all ways of contributing to lower emissions while cutting costs.

Make your money count.

Taking on big, bad corporates might seem like a lot, but you can make a strong statement by supporting ethical, climate-conscious firms and financial instruments. Reward the corporates that are doing their part by investing in green bonds, climate-friendly funds, and ESG-dedicated equity funds. Invest time researching the social and environmental benefits or risks associated with each company.

We have only one Earth, which makes it “urgent” to advocate for climate-friendly solutions and fixes. Using your voice to amplify the cause and share these strategies, in person and on social media, can have ripple effects and expand the pool of everyday climate activists. Emerging studies show that peer pressure and “competitive altruism” play an important role in affecting individual’s environmental choices.

The fight for protecting our planet is not going to be won alone. We need systemic changes, operational adjustments as well as mindset shifts. More importantly, we need all hands on deck. It is crucial that individual choices get compounded over time into collective action if we are to see the change that we desire.