No great movement is done in huge sweeps — it takes one big or small step after another, especially when we’re facing something as huge and monumental to all of us like climate change.

To accompany our post on why lawsuits matter to effect environmental change, we’ve compiled a list of the top eights ways you can begin helping the environment today.

Not everyone has the ability to stand up for the environment in a “big” way via filing an environmental lawsuit against a negligent corporation that is harming the environment. However, we all have the option to do what we can to make our daily lives more environmentally conscious.

Here’s our pick for the top ways you can easily start today.

The “Little Things”

1. Buy local produce and animal products whenever you can.

If there’s a farmer’s market in your area, try making friends with the farmers there to enjoy deals, get tips on picking the best produce and even get extra perks like free produce near closing time.

2. Avoid GMO produce and household cleaners with dangerous toxins and chemicals.

One hint: if you can’t pronounce a product’s ingredients, it might be putting you, your family and the environment at risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals. Luckily, there are green alternatives that you can buy today — and they are now more competitively priced.

3. Cut down on your energy use.

Turn off the lights when you leave the house. Unplug your electronics when not in use

4.Talk to a LEED Certified Expert about how to make your home more environmentally friendly.

As a rule, apartment buildings housing many families are the most beneficial to the environment. But you can help improve your home’s energy expenditures by caulking and sealing the windows so that your home can better maintain its temperature.

5. Walk more, drive less.

Start walking, riding your bike, using mass transportation or carpooling instead of driving solo all the time. Driving is one of the most environmentally destructive activities everyday individuals do… while walking more, riding your bike or using public transit can not only improve the environment; it can lower your waist line — and fatten your wallet!

6. Cut down your meat consumption.

Meat products are one of the other most environmentally destructive activities everyday individuals do. Some people have taken to going without meat on Monday, it’s called “Meatless Mondays” and it’s a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint while increasing your healthy intake of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. If you are not up for trying a “Meatless Monday” or using more legumes and plant-based proteins to reduce your families’ meat consumption throughout the week, another option is to find a way to avoid commercially raised meat, and opt for more locally raised meat.

This may do yourself, and the environment, a BIG favor!

7. Buy less and recycle more.

Buying fewer products and household items plus donating what you don’t need instead of sending it off to a landfill can make a big difference.

8. When all else fails, buy a carbon offset.

Carbon offsets are an option the eco-conscious have to minimize their carbon footprint when they do things they just can’t avoid, like flying for work. It helps the most anxious of us sleep a little more soundly at night.

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We hope these tips were helpful for you, and encourage you to share this list with your network. Happy Earth Day 2015, everyone! Let’s make this year count.

[greybox]And if you or someone you know has a potential environmental lawsuit like PCBs in schools, you may contact our team at or [contactlink]e to learn more.[/greybox]