Your carbon footprint is how many greenhouse gases you release in your daily activities. Be remembered by your good deeds, not your carbon emissions.

Step 1: Turn thermostat up/down

Turn your thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter by just two degrees, and you’ll prevent hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide from being released each year.

Step 2: Unplug electronics

Turn off and unplug your computer, TV, and other electronics when you’re not using them. Even electronics in sleep mode draw power.

Step 3: Change bulbs

Change all the incandescent bulbs in your home to compact fluorescent bulbs, which use about 75% less energy.

Step 4: Do full loads of laundry/dishwashing

Do your laundry or run a dishwasher only when you have a full load. It saves water and it’s an excuse not to clean.

Step 5: Eat local

Eat local: An organic out-of-season vegetable from the other side of the world may sound delicious, but it had to make that trip on a huge container ship.

Step 6: Bring own coffee cup/mug

Bring your own cup or mug when you buy coffee and stop tossing an average of 20 pounds of disposable cups a year.

Step 7: Cut back on bottled water

Cut back on bottled water. Most tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and making the plastic and transporting the bottles uses huge quantities of fossil fuels.

Step 8: Plant a tree

Plant a tree. Trees help reduce greenhouse gases, and every one counts. Consider it a peace offering to the Earth.

Step 9: Consolidate car trips

Don’t jump in your car every time you feel the urge to run an errand. Plan and consolidate your trips to cut down on gas.

Step 10: Carpool, public transportation, bike, or walk

When you can, carpool, use public transportation, or ride your bicycle. Or walk, proud to be treading lightly.