Sustainability is an important topic, and many of us want to do our part in decreasing waste and improving the well-being of our planet. But many of us are really busy, which can potentially compromise our commitment to the environment because we aren’t sure how to be environmentally savvy while staying on the go. Being busy and eco-friendly at the same time isn’t impossible, but it does require some mindfulness and effort. Below, we’re sharing our favorite ways to decrease food waste in and out of the home—even on a tight schedule.

Prep now, eat later. – Steph

Prepping food in advance can save money and reduce waste. Spending a few hours at the beginning of the week can really make your week run smoother because each day your food is already ready to go. Plus, by preparing meals in advance, we’re better able to use all the groceries we’ve purchased without leaving them so long in the fridge that they go bad.

Invest in a reusable coffee thermos or water bottle and use it when you travel. – Megan

Using a reusable coffee thermos or water bottle can cut down on plastic consumption. A reusable thermos or water bottle can also help keep you properly hydrated because you’ll have it on hand.

Reusable food containers are your friend. – Alyssa

Purchasing reusable food containers (even if they’re plastic) will pair nicely with prepping food in advance. These containers can be used and washed over and over again so you won’t need to buy additional options.

Order small portions when eating out, knowing you can always order more. – Silvia

Starting small when eating out is a great way to prevent excess food waste! We understand that eating out is enjoyable, and this approach ensures that you only order what you’ll eat. Plus, you’re always able to order more if you’re still hungry. If you do happen to order too much, box it up and take it home for later.

Recycle and compost when possible. – Alex

As more people learn about the importance of sustainability, recycling and composting are becoming more prominent. While it may take an extra step to sort your trash or look for a recycling or composting bin, each step counts.

Use a lunchbox. ­– Tamika

Whether you’re packing lunch for yourself or your kids, using a lunchbox is a great option. A reusable lunch box can prevent the excess waste that would occur from using a brown paper bag or other non-reusable bag each day. Not sure what to pack for school lunch? We have some tips for that—or repurpose leftovers from last night’s dinner or restaurant outing.

Shop with a reusable tote. – Jenny

There are some areas that are harder to decrease our waste in than others, but this area is a pretty quick fix. Using a few reusable totes can quickly reduce the amount of waste from plastic or paper grocery bags. Store them in your car for all kinds of shopping.

It may not be realistic for you to adopt all of these suggestions, but even adopting one or two of these tips can help decrease the amount of resources and food that go to waste in your daily life. Every step toward decreasing waste is a positive step for the planet.