Climate change is a subject on many people’s minds these days. It’s all over the news, with scientists claiming we only have a few years to start making big changes to the way we live in order to prevent food shortages and other disasters in the future. The controversial topic has raised eyebrows for years, and many people still don’t quite understand what climate change is or how they can make a difference. According to the data, it’s time everyone takes a closer look at the facts to get an idea of what sort of changes they can make for the planet’s sake.

Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do at home that will make your household more eco-friendly. Conserving energy is a major one, so it’s important to do some research on the best ways to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. You can also recycle, reduce the amount of waste your household contributes, and reuse items to keep them from going to the landfill. Talk to your family members about forming a plan so everyone is on the same page.

Keep reading for tips on how you can do your part in reducing the impacts of climate change.

Use solar energy

Using solar energy is one of the best ways to be eco-friendly at home; not only is it great for the environment, but it will also save you money as well. There are several options, too. Solar panels installed on the roof can get a bit pricey, but if you have a large home, it will actually save you money in the long run. You can also invest in windows that will help you use solar energy for each room of your home, cutting back on the costs of utility bills each month.

Capture rain

Rain gardens and barrels are great for the environment, especially if you have a large lawn to take care of. Rather than using a water hose to keep your grass, flowers, and garden nice and healthy, capturing rain to get the job done uses less energy. Check your local laws and zoning rules to make sure rain barrels are allowed in your area.

Change out your bulbs

You might be surprised at the amount of energy your family uses in a month. Contact your utility company to set up an energy audit; if you’re using more than your neighbors, it may be time to consider switching out your light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones. LED lights will last for years, and they’ll save you money each month as well. Talk to your family members about making a commitment to saving energy by turning off lights every time they leave a room and using natural light as often as possible.

Recycle, reduce, and reuse

Recycling is a great way to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, as many of the landfills in the U.S. are overflowing and contribute to global warming every year. Glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard can all be taken to your local recycling center. If your town doesn’t provide a recycling bin, contact your local representatives about how to make positive changes in your area. Don’t forget that clothing is often thrown away when it could be donated or reused.

Making changes to your lifestyle that can help reduce the impact of climate change is important, so talk to your loved ones about how they can get involved, and make an effort to help educate your community about how they can contribute, too. With a good plan, you can truly make a difference.