There is much talk about reducing your carbon footprint. However, few know what that statement means. When you reduce your print, you are doing things to help the planet. Climate change is affected by greenhouse gas emissions that come from food, houses, and transportation. If you want to reduce the impact your life has on society, then you can do a few things to help live a “greener” lifestyle.

1. Park The Car

While it may be unrealistic to park your car for good, you can try using rideshare programs or public transportation whenever possible. If you relied on other methods of transport for a year, you would save almost 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Many people are using their bikes, riding a train, or hopping on a bus to give Mother Nature a break from emissions.

If you can’t do without a car, then there are some other ways that you can save. You should keep your tires on the right air pressure to ensure you have excellent fuel economy. Another way to save is to cut down on the AC usage as fresh air is better for you anyway. Try to use the cruise control as much as possible as it saves on gas.

2. Adopt a Vegetarian Lifestyle

Did you know that cows give off harmful greenhouse gasses through methane emissions? When you eat steak, hamburger, or other meat products, it influences the environment. It takes a lot of land, water, and feed to keep cattle healthy. Shockingly, red meat has a huge environmental effect. About a half a pound of beef gives off more than six pounds of carbon dioxide for each serving. Plant-based foods aren’t nearly as negative on the atmosphere. Another shocker is that fish can also emit as many emissions as beef. Eating plants and eliminating meat, fish, and dairy products from your diet are best for you and the environment.

3. Control Your Waste

America’s landfills are overflowing, and people still don’t recycle enough. It’s estimated that we generate over 258 million tons of trash each year. Where do all the gasses from that trash go? While recycling programs are available in almost every city across the country, many still don’t want to take the time to separate their paper and plastics. We are running out of room on where to put all the trash. Incorporating technologically advanced programs, like bank management software, can help to reduce the amount of paper you use overall. If you’re not using the extra paper, then it doesn’t end up in the landfill.

4. Discard Less Food

One of the biggest ways you can live a “greener” lifestyle is by reducing the amount of food you purchase. People throw-away over 40 percent of the grocery products they buy. Make a grocery list, and take stock of the items you already have on hand. Don’t buy bulk products just because it’s a good deal. Only buy what you can use in a reasonable amount of time. If you toss leftovers, then you are throwing money out the door. You should get creative and reuse that food rather than pitching it.

5. Focus On Heat, Lights, and Appliance Savings

Your home has a huge impact on the environment. Did you know that 25 percent of the energy you use is on heating costs alone? You enjoy those hot showers, right? Well, 13 percent of your budget is going to heating water for that bath. If you want to save money on your bills, plus help the environment, then turn down the heat. A programmable thermostat is best. Keep your water heater to 120 degrees, and turn off lights when they’re not in use. Finally, unplug all unused devices. It’s the little things you do that have the biggest impacts.

If you want to help Mother Nature and keep the planet going for the next generation, then it's time to start reducing your carbon footprint. Don't overwhelm yourself by doing it all at once. Start slow, and over time, you can find more ways to save and give back.