11 Little Things You Can Do To Prevent Climate Change Every Day

Climate change is already happening, but it’s not too late to make a difference. Learn about what you can do to combat climate change — then see what others are doing in Years of Living Dangerously, premiering Sunday, April 13th at 10/9c, only on Showtime.

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

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You've certainly heard the phrase before, but it's really that simple: Find out if your community has a recycling program and then start recycling in your own home.

2. Upgrade your lightbulbs.

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Look for lightbulbs that are Energy Star certified. They last longer and are easier on the environment.

3. Check your water privilege.

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Take showers instead of baths. Repair running toilets and faulty faucets as quickly as possible.

4. Start your own compost.

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Not only does it reduce your household's garbage, it's good for your garden! (And you can even make your own compost bin for only $5.)

5. Wash laundry in cold water.

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Not only does it use less energy, but cold water actually preserves bright colors better.

6. Drive at the speed limit.

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Or don't drive at all! You'll burn less gas and thus pollute less, and you'll even save money — who would've thunk. Plus, safety first, and all that.

7. Turn off your computer at night.

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You'll extend the life of its battery as well as the life of the planet.

8. Repurpose glass jars.

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Aside from getting a lot of indie cred if you serve your guests their beverages in mason jars, you can also create cool art and light fixtures using 'em.

9. Use matches instead of lighters.

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Lighters use butane, and because no one really ever refills them, more than 1.5 billion end up in landfills every year. Matches are biodegradable AND everyone will be impressed with your old-school ways.

10. Buy locally.

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Even if it's just fruit and veggies, any foodstuffs you buy that don't have to travel halfway across the country is better for everyone. It's probably the easiest thing of all.

11. And buy a reusable water bottle while you're at it.

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U.S. landfills alone contain more than two million TONS of discarded water bottles and each takes over a thousand years to decompose.