Carbon pollution is quickly taking a toll on the entire planet. Reducing your carbon footprint can go a long way towards helping preserve our precious environment. These are five quick and easy changes you can make to your daily life that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Electronics use a small amount of electricity, even when they are turned off and plugged into the wall. The only way to eliminate this unneeded waste of electricity is by unplugging all of your electronics immediately after you stop using them. It may seem like a hassle to plug your television in every time you want to watch something, but saving the environment makes it well worth the extra effort.

Reduce the Use of Your Car

Gasoline-fueled cars emit carbon dioxide into the air every time you drive. Reducing the amount of time you drive your car is the only way to stop this toxic gas from entering our breathing air. Car pools and public transportation are both great ways to cut down on your driving.

Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances and Electronics

The large appliances and electronics in your home account for a large percentage of your energy usage. Replacing these old items with new energy-efficient appliances and electronics is the perfect way to cut your carbon footprint. All energy-efficient items will be clearly marked at the store.

Plant a Tree in Your Yard

Planting a tree lets you reduce your carbon footprint by giving back to the environment. The oxygen omitted by the tree will absorb carbon dioxide from the breathing air. If you plant the tree in the right spot in your yard, then it can even cut down on your energy use in the future by providing shade for your home.

Change Your Light Bulbs

Not too many think about their light bulbs, but they play a vital part in reducing your carbon footprint. Swapping out one light bulb for a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will save a significant amount of carbon dioxide pollution over its lifetime. According to an expert from Electricity Match, CFLs use about 70% less energy per lumen compared to incandescent lamps. You use the lights in your home every day, so you will want to have these energy-efficient bulbs installed in every light fixture.

There is absolutely no reason to keep polluting the air when it is so easy to reduce your carbon footprint. Undergoing the small inconvenience of making these five changes is the only way to make sure the planet is preserved for future generations.