The first step to helping to decrease the carbon footprint is to get involved. Whether you choose to do this within the nucleus of your family, the confidence of friends, the heart of your community or getting more involved with politics, getting involved and encouraging others to be involved in being part of a solution can have a huge impact. Become informed, make your voice heard, and let others know that you are ready and willing to make a change.

Change out regular lightbulbs for energy efficient bulbs. Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Keep your home well insulated to reduce energy in heating and cooling, and using high efficiency appliances whenever possible. Consider cold washing clothes and hanging them outside to dry as opposed to heat washing and drying. There are hundreds of ways to conserve energy and money within the home!

Encourage homes, schools and local community areas to install solar panels. Wind, water, and solar power can all contribute to clean, renewable energy sources.

Use your local recycling center to properly dispose of plastic, glass, and cardboard. Upcycling, or the repurposing of something old and unwanted into something new and creative, is also a wonderful, fun way to decrease land-fills. You can also donate unwanted items to charity or second-hand shops.

Pay bills online instead of paper statements. Refrain from buying unnecessary items, especially ones of short-term enjoyment. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally as opposed to using an appliance.

Turn the shower off when shaving, conditioning, or otherwise not using it and spend as minimal amount of time under the running water as possible. Fix drips and leaks as often as possible, and use low-flow shower-heads and toilets when installing new appliances. If you enjoy gardening, choose plants native to your climate to reduce watering needs. If you enjoy indoor plants, try succulents, cacti, or air-plants that require minimal maintenance and water.

Not only will you be helping your local community, but by avoiding processed food, you are avoiding many of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by such companies. Consider changing your diet slightly: Avoiding meat for at least one meal a day can take away from one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gas emission by agricultural companies.

If possible, compost your organic waste and make your own garden. Not only will you be providing food for yourself, but decreasing your homes waste-production by turning organic matter into all natural fertilizer!

Walk, cycle, or use public transportation whenever possible. If you have the opportunity to purchase a new car, try to get as energy efficient model as possible, or perhaps go for a vehicle with the highest miles-per-gallon. You’ll be saving money and the environment. Try to fly only when necessary. While driving, try to create a smooth ride and lay off the accelerator. Be sure to maintain constant tire pressure to get the best miles-per-gallon!

See if you can convince your management team to use Energy Star equipment, print less, use scrap paper when possible, recycle, and turn computers and office equipment off when not in use.