There are things each of us can do to fight against climate change.

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Climate change is not a new topic of conversation; it has been around for decades. In recent years and with more and more irrefutable evidence backing the continued rise in temperatures and sea levels, emotions are running high as world leaders grapple with the ramifications of our changing climate.

From small towns to great nations, government officials have debated and collaborated to find ways to reverse the harm we've caused to the planet we call home, but the discussion is not always encouraging. The good news, however,is we all have the ability to make small changes in our lives to benefit the planet by reducing our personal carbon footprint

Here are a few cheap, easy ways you can fight for our planet.

1. Unplug Your Devices

Unplugging your devices is one way to help lower your carbon footprint.

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One way to help the environment is to unplug your devices once they are charged. Fully-charged devices that remain plugged in continue to use energy. Surprisingly, "vampire power" is responsible for draining up toevery year in the U.S., according to the National Resources Defense Council.

2. 'Green' Your Commute

Choosing to walk, bikeor take public transportation is a smallbut impactful way to help in the fight against climate change. Some have taken up biking in recent years and many are opting to take their bikes to work. Numerous cities are also investing in the infrastructure to help make the commute safe, fun and easy.

3. Plant a Garden

There are so many reasons why planting and tending a garden is a good idea. In terms of climate change, gardens absorb carbon dioxide, the driving factor behind global warming. In addition, gardens planted in cities help to minimize "" effects.

4. Line-Dry Your Clothes

Clothes drying in La Spezia, Italy.

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Going old-school to dry clean clothes is a great way to minimize your personal carbon footprint. Consider hanging your clothes out to dry instead of throwing them in the dryer. According to the World Wildlife Organization, one dryer load uses than washing – the equivalent of turning on .

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5. Change Your Thermostat

When you leave your home, think about upping the temperature in your home during the summer months and lowering it in the winter. This will have a great impact on your energy savings, both personally and for the planet. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to by turning your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting.

6. Trim Your Waste

A sea of waste.

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Keep garbage from entering , by composting and continuing to recycle paper, plastic, metal and glass. When purchasing products from stores, be conscious of the packaging. For example, instead of getting your coffee and other beverages in convenient , purchase a coffee machine that will allow you to use coffee that comes in recyclable packaging.

7.Choose Renewable Power

If you have the option, ask yourutility provider to switch your account to renewable power, such as solar or wind farms. If your provider doesn't offer that option, suggest they add it. Ifdemand becomes great enough, utilities will soon comply.

8. Use Less Hot Water

Using cold water to wash your hands andclothes helps reduce energy consumption. Another tip is to take showers rather than baths.

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9. Fly Less

Before youbook your next flight, you might want to think about the enormous carbon blueprint planes leave behind. Commercial aviation is responsiblefor about emitted annually by human activity. Instead, consider greener options such as buses or trains, or try vacationing closer to home. To reduce business travel, try to use video conferencing for those important meetings.

10. Buy Organic and Local Foods

Choosinglocal produce helps reduce the carbon footprint created by shipping foods from other places. It becomes a no-brainer when you think about the fuel needed to ship produce, often from other countries, as well as the cost to keep the products cold as they are shipped. This leads to a heavy environmental cost. Choosing organic foods is another positive move for the environment because organic produce is not sprayed with toxic pesticides and other environmentally detrimental chemicals.

11. Eliminate or Reduce Meat Consumption

Eliminating or at least reducing your meat consumption may actually be the best thing you can do to fight climate change. According to a report by , the global livestock industry produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all cars, planes, trains and ships combined. Emissions from livestock, largely from burping cows and sheep, as well as the manure they produce, currently makes up almost 15 percent of global emissions, notes the study, while beef and dairy alone make up 65 percent of all livestock emissions. In addition, for every pound of beef, 5,000 gallons of water is needed.

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