Global warming is a serious problem that affects us, our children and the generations that will come after us. Between An Inconvenient Truth and new green incentives, taking practical steps to save the environment can seem both overwhelming and complicated. Not to worry. Below are a few steps that almost any household can take to become eco-friendly.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

• Recycling is one of the best ways to help the environment, but there's more to it than just bottles and cans. If your community recycles newspaper, then chances are good they will also accept shredded paper. Buy an inexpensive paper shredder and dispose of any paper waste instead of throwing it away: junk mail, unwanted receipts, even old paperwork. Place the shredding in a brown-paper bag and put it on the curb with the rest of your recycling. In addition, you'll also be taking steps to protect yourself against identity theft.
• This should go without saying, but donate any old clothes to Good Will. Many communities have bins scattered throughout the area to collect old clothes, jackets, linen, shoes and more.
  
• Many other unconventional things in your house can be recycled as well. Many communities host a hazardous waste collection several times each year where you can discard old paint and chemicals. The same is true for electronics. Many cities will offer to collect old computers, TVs and other electronic equipment at certain times throughout the year. These materials will be used to make new computers and electronics, even new plastics.
  
• National chains like Best Buy will recycle old cell phones, while Auto Zone or Advanced Auto Parts will accept old car batteries. Have something you're not sure about? Try Google, where you can find solutions for everything from CD/DVD recycling (ship your old CDs to a company in Vermont where they'll be used to make new CDs and other products) to teddy bear recycling (hospitals accept old plush toys for distribution to sick children).

Plastic, Paper or Burlap(!)

• Paper bags are great because you can use them for recycling (see above) and they can be recycled themselves. Plastic bags, however, sit in landfills for decades before decomposing. Most chain stores now offer a third solution: burlap. Many supermarket chains and department stores (most notably, Wal*Mart) now offer reusable bags made of twine, burlap or other sturdy materials. These bags won't break the bank either; many stores offer them for $0.99 - $1.99 each and some stores even offer a $0.05 credit for each bag you bring when you shop.
  
• Still have plastic bags hanging around? Most major chain stores will recycle them for you. Start a collection and bring them to be recycled periodically.

Buy Local

• Buying local food products not only helps your economy, but also cuts down on carbon emissions. I'm sure you're wondering how local milk is going to reduce your carbon footprint. Buying local milk, cheese and produce means these items aren't being shipped from states, or even countries, far away. Find dairy that is produced in your area. If you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, consider buying from a farmer's market or joining a produce commune.
  

How Illuminating

• You've heard it before, but I'll say it again: Energy Star light bulbs are great for your energy costs and great for the environment. Buy a package and begin replacing them as your old bulbs burn out. Energy Star florescent bulbs will last longer then normal bulbs and will help cut back your energy consumption.
  
• The same goes for appliances. Now, I'm not saying you should ditch all your appliances and buy new ones. That's impractical. But if you're in the market for a new dryer, shop around for that energy star logo. Your electric company and the environment will thank you.

There are an endless number of things we can do to help the environment. Until government takes a stand on these issues, it's up to the individual to bring about changes. Not everyone has to drive a $20,000 hybrid vehicle or equip their home with solar panels to be eco-friendly. Often, the smallest changes have the greatest impact, especially if everyone pitches in.

Thanks for reading. If you found this guide useful, please vote "yes" at the bottom of this entry. Have more eco-friendly tips? Post them at my blog here.