9 Ways for Urbanites to Become Mother Nature’s BFF

1. Sign up for your local CSA: What's almost as good as picking veggies out of your own garden? Getting a big box of surprise produce delivered to your door every week. (It's your birthday, have a harvest.) And while you're sorting through the basket, you can inspire yourself creatively. This week's challenge: What would the folks on Iron Chef do with three eggplants, some rosemary, and a carrot?

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2. Join a bike share program: While it's nice to have a bike of your own, it can be pricey. Instead, cozy up to your neighbors and get around using your city's bike share program. They're popping up across the country, and are a great way to stay eco-friendly, get a bit of exercise, and see your city in a whole new way.

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3. Beware the (electronic) vampires: We're not predicting the invasion of bloodsucking fiends anytime soon. No, the vampires we're talking about already live in your apartment, because in eco-lingo "vampire"means any appliance or device that sucks up electricity, even while not actively in use. So make a pact to unplug all of your tech when you leave the house. It's good for the Earth and saves you cash (vampire electronics can add more than 10% to your electricity bill) — no garlic or wooden stakes required.

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4. Make your own cleaning supplies: What do lemons, salt, olive oil, and fresh herbs have in common? Sure, they may all be basic pantry staples, but use them to craft recipes of a different kind: for eco-friendly, homemade, non-toxic cleaners, that is. Instead of dousing your apartment in bleach and other chemicals, natural cleaners will bring the sparkle without the harm. Here are 25 great starter ideas.

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5. Get your cozy game locked up: Your windows might not have been replaced since 1920, and your wheezing old radiator throws off all the heat of a toasted marshmallow, but there are still plenty of ways to stay cozy this winter. Consider a multi-pronged effort: the thrifty can go for DIY insulation, while a blackout curtain is a simple and effective way to keep the chill out. At night, stay warm with electric blankets (or sheets fresh out of the dryer) instead of cranking up the heat, while a timer lets you turn down the heat when you're out. Then there's always a good old-fashioned pot of spicy chili to warm you from the inside.

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6. Head to local cafes that compost: Your dollars don't just buy you things — they also cast a vote for you. So instead of checking off "yes" to corporate coffee chains and fast food behemoths, start singling out the little guys. Find the neighborhood cafes and restaurants that source their produce locally, and ideally, outsource waste to local compost and recycling centers. Think of voting with your wallet as a civic duty — the kind that gives you the warm fuzzies, and also a latte. Bring your own reusable mug for extra points.

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7. Care what you wear:In the United States, 1/3 of a pound of agricultural chemicals are typically used in the production of a single cotton T-shirt. For a sustainable change of pace, go for organic cotton or start shopping at local thrift stores, where you'll find one-of-a-kind pieces that are as affordable as they are personal. Need fancier duds for a special event? Rent the Runway is sure to suit the occasion.

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8. Use apps that make a difference: Need more guidance on how to ecoify? (That's totally a word, right?) There are many, many apps for that. GoodGuide lets you buy products free of harmful chemicals, while iRecycle helps you sort your paper and plastics, and tells you where to deposit them, based on where you live. As long as your charger isn't being a vampire, your phone is your best friend in eco-awareness.

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9. Participate in car sharing: If you care about the environment, you can make a bigger impact than you think by getting rid of your automobile. Car sharing programs have been proven to drastically reduce miles driven, which reduces gas usage and carbon emissions. Check out the options in your city for traveling smarter. There's one in particular we think you'll really like.

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