A carbon footprint measures the amount of CO2 produced annually from our daily activities (from burning fuels). The average North American's carbon footprint is 20.12(tons of C02 emissions a year). This means that every American would have to plant 29 trees a year to balance out their strain on the environment! Luckily there are endless and surprisingly simple ways to minimize our negative effects on the environment. Tackle the list or decide which options can easily be adjusted to fit into your lifestyle.

1. Take the No-Garbage challenge! Try to minimize waste and avoid packaging that can't be recycled or reused.

2. Start a compost! It's easy and great for your garden (or someone else's if you don't have a garden!)

3. Opt for walking or biking whenever you can.

4. Work your green thumb: Plant a tree, grow your own vegetables or start your own garden.

5. Eat less meat! The meat industry is the largest contributor to climate change!

6. Opt for eco-friendly products and alternative energy solutions whenever possible.

7. Too far to walk or bike? Why not carpool or try travelling in groups via train or bus.

8. Be cautious of the amount of energy you use. Just because your computer, air conditioner or TV is off doesn’t mean it’s not using electricity. Unplug everything you’re not using! ( Money saving tip: Turn off your water heater either while you’re sleeping or at work!

9. Become a DIY fanatic. You can make your own cleaning products, shampoo, make up, clothes and hundreds of other things without having to take a trip to the mall!

10. Avoid printing documents whenever you can. Save notes on your computer and send memos through email rather than wasting ink and paper.

What's your carbon footprint? Use our carbon footprint calculator to find out! Have your own tips for reducing your footprint? Share them with us!

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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