Trees are nature’s MVPs — cleaning the air, cooling the planet, and looking great while they’re at it. But these environmental all-stars are also up against pretty tough odds, from massive deforestation to unprecedented extreme weather events.

As someone who cares about living lighter on the planet, we know you’re ready to pitch in. Looking for easy ways to help save trees and reduce your ecological footprint without upending your daily routine?

You're in luck! We’ve put together nine strategies to help households like yours help save trees by giving them the support they deserve. Let’s branch out.

1. Reduce paper consumption at home 

Using less paper at home is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint.

But where to start? An easy place is by making the switch to paper towels made from sustainable materials like 100% bamboo, or products made to be used again and again, like reusable paper towel alternatives, containers, and napkins. Trade traditional paper products for more sustainable alternatives like 100% bamboo toilet paper and tissues.

You can also declutter your mailbox by opting out of paper bills, junk mail and unnecessary subscriptions.

2. Reuse and repurpose household materials

Reduce what you can — and where you can’t reduce, try to reuse!

Printed paper, newspapers and cardboard are perfect for second acts. Think homemade gift wrap, fun crafts with the kids or even practical storage solutions. Repurpose with purpose!

According to Statista, paper waste takes the top spot in municipal solid waste generated in the U.S. So don’t just throw your paper materials in the trash as soon as you use them. Instead, give them a new life.

For items that don’t fit your DIY plans, donations are a great option. Repurpose your old books, magazines and paper supplies with schools, libraries, or community groups to keep them out of the landfill.

3. Teach kids about recycling early

If you can’t reduce or reuse your paper materials, recycling is the way to go — and it’s a perfect opportunity to start teaching your kids about eco-conscious habits.

Make recycling an interactive experience by demonstrating proper sorting techniques. Start with the basics: checking local guidelines to understand what can and can’t go in the bin. Encourage your kids to recycle creatively — maybe they can reuse an item first before placing it in the recycling bin. Turn it into a family challenge — who can sort recyclables the fastest?

Before you know it, the whole family will be recycling pros.

4. Discuss deforestation and climate impact as a family

Dig deep into other crucial concepts with your family by leafing through (hehe) resources on deforestation and its climate impact. 

Engage the whole family in discussions about your discoveries. Bring the discussion to life by sharing how saving trees means protecting the air we breathe, the animals that call forests home and the balance of our ecosystems. Participate in good deeds as a family by supporting organisations that protect forests and promote sustainable forestry. 

Make it a team effort to brainstorm actionable, sustainable solutions so your family can make a difference!

5. Choose reusable alternatives in the kitchen

Make your kitchen more eco-friendly by swapping out single use disposables for reusables. Think bottles, food wraps and shopping bags that you can use again and again instead of tossing away after one use.

This simple switch reduces your household’s carbon footprint, keeping trees in the ground and more cash in your wallet.

For the things that can’t be reused, opt for eco-friendly materials like compostable food scrap bags made from plant-based resources.

6. Get your hands dirty

Forests don’t just look good — they do good. They’re nature’s original multitaskers: muffling noise, pumping out the oxygen we breathe and boosting mental well-being in our communities. Plus, they pull carbon dioxide from the air, conserve energy and shield us from extreme weather. They’re essential, essentially.

Planting trees has always been essential for helping our planet thrive. But with deforestation and climate change on the rise, it’s never been more important.

Join a tree planting event or plant saplings in your backyard. It’s a simple but powerful way to help our home heal.

7. Don’t waste water 

Wasting water has a ripple effect — it depletes resources, burns through energy and degrades the entire ecosystem. These effects harm soil, kill roots, and throw natural cycles out of whack which leaves trees struggling to survive.

When you conserve water, you help restore these systems, which saves trees and allows them to thrive.

Start small at home by keeping an eye on your water usage and looking for ways to cut back. Try eco-conscious appliances, shorter showers, collecting rainwater, or planting native species in your garden.

8. Take a hard look at your home’s energy consumption 

Most household energy is created by burning non-renewable natural resources like fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide into the air, and creating harmful pollution and greenhouse gasses.

High energy use creates a domino effect — more harmful byproducts, higher demand for non-renewable resources, and, too often, deforestation. Clear cutting makes way for resource extraction and power plants, leaving forests on the chopping block.

Lowering your energy consumption at home helps protect forests and saves trees by reducing the need for these practices.

Consider using energy efficient household appliances. Purchase LED lightbulbs, which last longer and use less energy than traditional ones, and check your light and power bills for opportunities to reduce your usage.

9. Take a stand for trees

Last but not least, rally the family to advocate for change! 

Speak up for trees! Sign petitions, write to your representatives, and push for policies that protect forests. Spread the word on important issues by creating and sharing educational materials. Fight for tree preservation together by starting a community fundraiser, or attending a family friendly anti-deforestation protest. 

By taking part, you’re influencing culture and policy… And showing your kids how powerful their voices can be.

Parents, lead by example 

This is one of those “do as I do” moments. Help your kids make green choices by modelling eco-conscious behaviours and encouraging open conversations about environmental issues.

Turn sustainability into an adventure: host a “save the trees” fundraiser, organise a scavenger hunt for eco-friendly solutions, or spend a DIY day making anything from natural household cleaners to upcycled furniture. You could even build a garden from reused materials, grow veggies, and cook yummy meals with your produce!

When it comes to living sustainably, actions speak louder than words.

Conclusion: Let’s make every choice count

Want to save trees? Of course you do. These nine simple, family-friendly changes can make a big impact. Because every difference starts with a single choice.

Choosing wisely means supporting companies committed to sustainability — businesses like Who Gives A Crap! We’re dedicated to creating a brighter future, and we’ve helped save the equivalent of over 1,000,000 trees*. 

Protect our planet with your purchases by shopping our range of sustainable household products today.

*Statistic based on what is needed for traditional products as of November 2024.