What are some things that individuals can do to go green?

As climate change takes center stage in the world agenda, individuals are accountable for their actions more than ever. Going green can and should start today at no cost, by doing simple things that can start from one's home.

Starting this moment, one should turn off lights, televisions, and appliances when not in use--they consume 60% of electricity.

Likewise, the doors of the refrigerator are not meant to stay open longer than needed. Hot food must be left to cool down before storing in the fridge. Defrosting regularly is also a way to go green. As much as possible, one mustn't place fridges next to cookers.

Lowering the temperature of the thermostat by just a degree could save somebody precious bills--as much as 10%. Sixty degrees should be warm enough for anybody.

One should boil water only as needed. Other go green strategies: closing curtains at twilight and eschewing the drier for naturally air-drying clothes.

Switch light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Lights or CFLs. Such light bulbs last ten times longer than conventionally produced bulbs. They also cut bills because they use only microcosms of electricity.

If you plan on using only renewable energy, invest in solar power.

Reduce air-conditioning expenses by planting trees outside the house. Expect bills to be cut in half if you do this. Bamboo trees are especially notable for trapping more carbon dioxide than the average tree. In return, it produces more oxygen.

Try not to buy plastic bottles. Refill bottles instead. Likewise, cut down on the garbage, which is one of the most prominent contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the world.

Recycling is important. A ton of recycled paper equates to power ample enough to light up a three-bedroom home for a whole year. Segregate your waste and compost all biodegradable materials in your yard.

If you could just walk or bike to get to another place, do so. But if a car is a life-and-death situation, try to buy a hybrid. Hybrid cars run up to 60 miles per gallon and produce less harmful emissions.

For those who already have gas-guzzlers, make an effort to purchase a carbon offset. Carpool whenever possible. Car pooling is an eco-friendly decision, curbing the release of over a million tons of CO2 a year.

When shopping, tote the so-called eco bags. In terms of visual appeal, the choices are as chice as can be. Piling up plastic bags is nothing short of an environmental crime.

If you are a music lover, make the shift to digital, as CDs indirectly consume oil in shipping alone.

As a rule of thumb, buy from companies with environmental leanings. Buy solar chargers too.

Remember that even the most eco-friendly gesture can be outpaced by misdeeds. Environmental violations can happen right in one's neighborhood. They are not limited to emissions from industries, unwanted disposal methods of waste, impulsive dredging, and so on. Participating in your local neighborhood's environmental efforts is a good start toward taking your green lifestyle a notch higher. Encourage curbside collection and recycling if you don't have these yet.

The lowest level of the government can tackle milder issues. If the issue in question is larger in scale, an environmental agency, preferably at the federal or national levels must be consulted. For Americans, EPA is the go-to entity.