At Itron, we’re all about resourcefulness. Our technology connects people, devices and insights to better manage energy and water resources, all around the world. As Earth Day approaches, it is important to remember that small acts of resourcefulness add up to make a big difference. Here are five ways you can be more resourceful this Earth Day:

Use Reusable Straws and Water Bottles

Humans buy about 1 million plastic bottles per minute and only around 23 percent of plastic bottles are recycled within the U.S., according to the Earth Day Network. By using reusable water bottles, coffee cups and straws, you can play a part in reducing plastic pollution and save money.

Replace Light Bulbs

By replacing inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient LEDs, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds a year. Speaking of lights, remember to turn them off when you leave a room to conserve energy. While you’re turning lights off, Itron is making sure streetlights around the world are efficiently keeping your communities safe.

Conserve Water

There are many simple ways to conserve water in your everyday life, even a few small changes can add up to hundreds of gallons in water savings. A great place to start is the shower. Take a shorter shower and use a water-saving shower head. It’s also more efficient to only run the dishwasher when it’s full and conserve water outdoors by only watering plants or the lawn in the early morning.

Rethink Transportation

Carpool, ride your bike or use public transportation when possible. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road results in less carbon and pollutants in the air. For every mile you do not drive, your carbon footprint goes down one pound.

Give Back in Your Community

Creating a more resourceful world starts in the communities where we live, work and play. Whether it’s planting a tree or volunteering at a local park, trail or beach clean-up, what better way to celebrate Earth Day than by spending time outdoors.

The way we manage energy and water will define this century—join Itron in taking action to create a more resourceful world this Earth Day. To calculate your carbon footprint, click here.