Does the thought of saving the planet overwhelm you? If so, you are not alone.
When faced with all of the many areas of the world that need attention, it certainly can feel as though it is a task that is simply too daunting.
Between thinking about carbon credits, climate change, solar energy, hydrogen power and biofuels, it can be enough to make your head swim.
News reports are full of depressing stories about species around the world that are threatened, global warming and the not so subtle warnings that our children will suffer if we do not immediately begin to change the way we live.
The task can be so overwhelming that sometimes it seems as though it is easier to do nothing at all.
Rather than ignoring the dire situation or giving into guilt or depression, there are low impact ways in which we can have a high impact effect on the process of saving our planet.
Even choosing one small way to help is better than doing nothing at all.
You might be surprised to learn that there are numerous ways in which you can help.
Many ways in which you can move toward a cleaner way of living are very simple and some will not even cost you any money at all.
There are even ways you can help that can actually save you money.
Take a glance at the ten different low impact ways we have gathered below and choose a few to get started.
1.
Keep an eye on your thermostat and then bump it up two degrees in the summer and down two degrees in the winter.
Even this small move can have a large impact over time.
2.
Change out your light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
CFLs not only last longer but will save on power as well.
3.
Make a commitment to change or clean your air conditioning filter more frequently.
When your filter becomes dirty, your air conditioner is forced to work harder and that means additional greenhouse emissions are created.
4.
Have your car tuned up on an annual basis.
The cost will run around $250 but it can provide you with better gas mileage and cleaner air.
5.
Give some thought to appliances that you do not use and pull the plug on them.
Even when an appliance turned off, if it is plugged up, it still drains power.
6.
Pick up a canvas bag and bring it with you to the grocery store to carry home your items.
You won't need to give any thought to the decision of paper or plastic and you can provide a huge impact to the planet.
7.
Go paperless.
Receiving paper bills every month wastes greenhouse-gas emissions as well as trees.
Sign up for electronic billing and payments and not only will you be saving the rainforest but also money on postage.
8.
Rather than buying something you need or want brand-new, consider buying something pre-owned.
Producing brand new items can take a tremendous toll on the environment in a number of ways.
Buying pre-owned items can lessen the load, not to mention save you money.
Great places to consider include garage sales, classified ads, flea markets and online auctions.
9.
Buying and using local products not only supports your local economy but can also save energy and emissions because the items do not need to be shipped.
Consider shopping local farmer's markets, greenhouses and artisans and crafters.
10.
Donate items you no longer want or need to thrift shops or place them at consignment shops.
This is a great way to recycle items, reduce emissions and help out someone else.