The environment is in crisis, and everyone has a responsibility to do something to help. However, that doesn't mean that you have to completely change your way of life. There are small changes to your lifestyle that you can make right now that can help ease the burden that the planet has to bear.

Become Smarter About Energy 

You can prevent wasting energy around your home by turning off lights as you leave the room or unplugging unneeded appliances. You can also install a manual transfer switch at your place of business in case the power goes off.

If you really want to be smart about energy, you can invest in companies involved in production of and research into renewable resources. Examples of renewable energy include solar panels, electric cars, and wind farms. Not only is your investment good for the environment but it can also benefit you financially because these renewable energy businesses are booming.

Eat Less Red Meat

The beef industry is associated with billions of tons of greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide. You don't have to give up meat altogether, but you can cut down on your consumption. Limiting yourself to one beef meal per week could make a big difference.

Drive Less Often

Vehicles powered by fossil fuels are responsible for most of the carbon emissions that are contributing to climate change. If you could cut down on the number of car trips that you take, it could make a big difference. Using an alternative form of transportation for your commute even one day per week could help. Examples of acceptable alternatives include walking for short journeys, biking, carpooling, and occasional public transportation.

Another way to drive less often is to work from home when able. You might try explaining the environmental benefits if your employer is hesitant to allow it.

Plant a Pollinator Garden

If you have a little bit of land, you can plant a garden containing plants that help pollinators, such as bees and other insects. The bee population has declined, and research shows that they prefer gardens packed with flowers to open parks. Plant tubular or open flowers, such as honeysuckle or daffodils, that bees particularly like.

Bees aren't the only pollinators that are struggling. Monarch butterflies are also in decline. Their larvae need to eat the leaves of certain species of milkweed that are often victims of pesticides and excessive mowing. You can help by planting milkweed in your yard. There are many different varieties, but you will do the most good if you research species that are most helpful to the butterflies. Choosing plants that are native to your area may help you have better gardening success.

Favor Green Products

When shopping, look for products that specifically tout environmentally friendly practices, such as local produce, water efficiency, or recyclable packaging. Favor these products when making purchases for your home or office.

Recycle

This is one of the simplest and most important things you can do. Most paper, plastic, and metal products can be recycled. Many communities offer single-stream recycling, meaning that you don't have to separate your recyclables the way you had to in the past. You do have to clean them off, however, but that's a relatively simple matter, and when you're done, you can just put the item in the recycling bin. Place this next to your trash can, and you don't even have to make an extra trip.

As you can see, you don't have to make drastic lifestyle changes to help the environment. You may view small changes such as these as gradual steps to bigger changes, but the choice is totally up to you.