You have heard that aged old saying, if you want something done you have to do it yourself. This could not be truer when it comes to global warming and the environment, especially carbon dioxide emissions.

Small life changes can be made right now without the help of laws, government, or other officials. You can take that first step and start making a difference today.

The majority of the electricity generated in America is done so by burning coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that when burned emits carbon dioxide. Therefore it would go without saying that if we can use less electric, less coal gets burned and less carbon gets emitted. For starters change your light bulbs to the new compact fluorescent bulbs. They are more energy efficient and last longer. The average household can save nearly 300 pounds of carbon emissions by making this switch.

Heating and cooling a home requires a lot of energy that also adds to carbon emissions. During the winter drop your thermostat two degrees and in the summer raise it two degrees to help save. By making this minor adjustment you can save on average of up 2000 pounds of carbon emissions per year.

Also on your heaters and air condition units replaces those air filters every 3 months (or according to the manufacturer's recommendation). Clean air filters can save 350 pounds of carbon emissions.

During the summer use a clothesline instead of your dryer. Not only will this help you save money (if you have noticed already that when you cut down carbon emissions you also save money), but by using your dryer for only 6 months out of the year as opposed 12 months you can save 700 pounds of carbon emissions.

Compost your food waste. Decomposing food waste in a landfill emits carbon. If you have a flower or vegetable garden then this is a great opportunity to add nutrients to your soil. Bury that food waste in your garden, about 2 to 3 feet down, and give worms something to eat. Their castings will add nutrients back to your soil, creating the best compost your garden can have. Wait 3 months and turn the soil over and that will mix the nutrients with the surrounding dirt for your flowers and veggies.

Sure the biggest culprit is your car and until flex fuel or alternative fuel vehicles are readily available and affordable we have to look towards other means to cutting down our carbon emissions. I gave you three that you can do today!