Although caring for the environment has been very much in the media for a number of years some people still don't realise the impact of their actions.
There are many ways that you can make a difference, however small, to reduce your carbon footprint.
It can start at home, at the office, even walking down the street.
Being aware is the answer, although it's not easy to think of the environment when you're on the way to the grocery store or to pick up the kids.
I try to get into a routine wherever I am and it seems to work for me.
You may feel that's taking it a bit too far but when you have kids you start to think differently.
It all becomes about them not you.
The future seems much more important now that you have a vested interest, namely your kids.
Guilt is another emotion that's seems to attach itself to you when you have children.
Any parent knows that guilt makes you take that extra step for your kids and their future.
So when I'm at home, outside or at the office these are the simple steps I take to do my bit for the environment.
At home

• Switch of all lights when I leave the room
• Unplug all electrical sockets at night, leaving appliances on standby uses electricity
• Turn down the heating thermostat
• Close curtains and blinds
• Only boil enough water for my needs
• Don't leave water running when brushing teeth
• Recycle paper, cans, plastic, clothing, used batteries
• I try to buy groceries with as little packaging as possible
• Wash clothes at lowest temperature
• Shower instead of bath to save water and fuel
• Try not to waste food
• Replacing light bulbs with energy savings bulbs
• Use rechargeable batteries

Outside

• Throw all rubbish in the garbage
• Recycle any drink cans or bottles

At the Office

• I walk every day instead of driving (weather permitting) or car pool.
  
• Print double-sided to save paper
• Send emails instead of memos to save paper
• Shutdown computer and unplug when leaving
• Switch off all lights at the end of the working day

This may or may not seem extreme to you but remember that each little step counts.
Think of it this way, if we were all following these steps the world would be a much better place in more ways than one.
The most important thing is to try your best.