Taking care of the environment has never been so important. Global warming is at an all-time high; the ocean is warming, the ice sheets are shrinking, the number of extreme weather events is increasing, and species are dying. It's real, it's scary, and it's not something to brush under the rug.

But the good news is that you don't have to sit idly by and watch as the earth deteriorates; there are things you can do about it, and believe it or not, they're not too difficult. Whether you make small changes like taking shorter showers or big changes like checking out those who are selling solar panels, anything you can do for your environment is worthwhile. Here are just a few ways to help save the earth.

1. Reduce Water Heating Expenses

Saving water is a huge way that you can contribute to saving your environment and your wallet, and the way to do this couldn't be easier — just use less hot water! This means things like shorter showers and making sure you don't leave warm water running while you're brushing your teeth. It also means washing dishes and clothes with cooler water and hanging clothes up instead of using the dryer. No matter what water-saving methods you choose to adopt, you'll be an environmental warrior who is pleasantly surprised by the water bill at the end of the month.

2. Reduce Electricity Expenses 

There's no doubt you've walked out of a room and left the lights on — everyone has. But being mindful of the electricity you're using when you're not actually using it is essential in cutting down your electric bill and your environmental footprint. Unplugging appliances and phone chargers when you're not using them, turning off lights in rooms with windows, washing dishes by hand, and turning down the heat on warmer winter days are all small ways you can make a massive impact. Who needs to crank up the heat when you can just put on those fuzzy socks, right?

3. Replace Your Light Bulbs

You might not know this, but traditional incandescent light bulbs consume a huge excess of electricity and must be replaced far more often than other types of light bulbs. So say goodbye! There are other more energy-efficient light bulbs such as halogen incandescent bulbs and light-emitting diode bulbs that are far more kind to the environment. While they're a bit more expensive to purchase, you'll save money in the long run as you'll have to replace them way less often.

4. Start a Garden

If you have the space and time to start a garden, it can be one of the strongest environmental and money saving tactics. Though it might be a little pricey to buy the supplies needed to get your garden off the ground (or in the ground), you'll save tons of money on groceries while also reducing global warming and providing homes to organisms who might need them. Plus, gardening can provide a bit of therapy; there's nothing like the feeling of spending some time with yourself outside on a beautiful day.

5. Take Public Transportation or Carpool

While it may seem like there's no cheaper method of transportation than your own car, this might not actually be true. Finding people to carpool with will help cut down the cost of gas, and public transportation actually isn't as expensive as you might think. It's another win-win; you're doing good for the environment but cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions and gas usage while saving a bit of dough.

With climate change at a peak, it's time to start thinking about how the little things you do affect the environment. Give this gift to the world and the world will keep giving to you.