It’s pretty easy to be green living in New York. Most people don’t have cars, there’s not a lot of space to light, sometimes it’s harder to find not-organic groceries, but when Earth Day rolls around—and when it’s the 40th anniversary of Earth Day—there’s added pressure.

A few designers sent us their tips on going green.

Dana Lorenz of FENTON & FALLON

“You don’t have to put a solar panel on your roof to do you part. Little things add up if everyone does them. Unrelated to jewelry, I have vowed NEVER to buy those little pre-packed dog-walking bags. When things I buy come in plastic packaging or if I have a bag from the deli, I use those. There are just some products that are not at all necessary!”

Maria Cornejo

“I don’t like plastic bags so I carry a canvas tote in my purse at all times. Also, get involved in your local community garden, it’s so easy and lots of fun.”

Melissa Joy Manning

“Fashion your own re-usable bags sans logo by sewing two vintage scarves together and using a cool belt as a handle. Plastic “eco bags” are still plastic. We need to stop using plastic altogether- recycling it releases chemicals into our atmosphere.”

Lela Rose

“The only coral I use is the color and I like to stay green all year by running errands and trekking my kids around the city on my rickshaw.”

Sophie Buhai, Vena Cava

“Just try and be more aware of your consumption. Little choices like using cloth napkins and dish towels, not providing plastic water bottles at the office, using less AC and riding your bike. I find all these things to be easy adjustments, and in the end they make a difference.”