While living organisms — both humans and animals — inevitably leave their footprints, ours have become significantly bigger since the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of carbon-based fuels, such as coal and oil. The result of this is an increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere that trap the heat in the air, hence the name greenhouse gases. The effects are already becoming visible: Some areas experience more rain and, consequently, floods, while other areas suffer from drought or desertification and a hotter climate. Natural disasters such as hurricanes also seem to appear more frequently.

It is becoming increasingly clear that action on a global scale is essential to prevent big disasters in the future. While it is of utmost importance that world leaders and big polluting companies take decisive steps to find alternative sources of energy to diminish the emission of greenhouse gases, every individual can do his or her bit by adopting a sustainable lifestyle. This may sound hard and boring, but green living is actually trendy and fun!

Here are five easy ways plus one bonus tip to start living green.

Sure, it is better to buy green products — organic cotton, natural cosmetics, or an energy-saving LED light — rather than using the “regular” ones, but the greenest alternative is to buy nothing. Organic cotton still needs to be grown somewhere, thus using water and land. It also has to be transported, probably by airplane or ship. Not buying anything, on the other hand, requires no resources. Next time you are about to purchase something, ask yourself if you really need it. Just remember that having less stuff means less stress, so try to get rid of materialist behavior.

Not only the environment will thank you for this, your body will also be grateful. Harvard studies show that daily meat eaters have approximately three times a bigger risk of getting colorectal cancer compared to those who rarely eat meat.

Besides, the meat industry is extremely polluting. Not only does the meat sector substantially contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases worldwide, livestock also need land to graze on. Additional land is needed for the cultivation of corn and grain to feed the animals, making animal-based food much less efficient than the harvesting of grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits. The need for all this land leads to deforestation, land degradation and loss of biodiversity, among others. You can help the environment significantly by having one or more “meatless days” per week and, when eating meat, prepare smaller portions.

The transportation of products by plane, ship and lorries is a dominant factor behind the emission of most pollutants. The farther a product travels before it reaches your home, the bigger the impact on the environment. It may be impossible to buy merely local products, but a good way to start is by purchasing local vegetables and fruits. These products usually also need less packaging than products coming from overseas. Another advantage is that you support the local economy.

Life in Saudi Arabia is difficult to imagine without air conditioners, so getting rid of them is probably not an option. However, it may be smart to set the thermostat of your air conditioner higher, even if only one or two degrees, and wear cool and light clothes in order not to feel hot. Similarly, in winter, turn the thermostat of your heating down by one or two degrees while wearing a warm pullover or sweatshirt. You will help the environment, as well as your wallet, by saving enormously on your energy bill.

Whenever we buy something, big or small, the salesman will give you a plastic bag. Most packages we buy contain plastic, including water bottles. Plastic, in other words, is omnipresent, in spite of being very harmful for the environment. The production of half a kilo of plastic requires 10 liters of water, besides emitting approximately 3.5 kg of carbon dioxide. In addition, plastic is not fully recyclable and not biodegradable, which means that it is usually dumped in remote areas and oceans. You can easily reduce the use of plastic by carrying your own textile bag when you go shopping.

The problem of climate change is one of tremendous dimensions, and you may get discouraged by politicians unwilling to take the issue serious, companies getting bigger and polluting more and careless people around you throwing trash anywhere they like. You may be thinking: how will it matter if one person tries to live a sustainable life? You are right, but you can do more. You can share your ideas with people around you. Many people, unfortunately, do not think about the consequences of their acts, but you can make them aware! Tell them about the environmental problems the world is facing, and what they can do to live greener. Pass them this article, and hopefully, they will get inspired to do the same.