Global warming and other environmental concerns are front page news in recent months and just yesterday the UN warned we have 12 years to curb climate change. Sea levels are rising, oceans are covered in plastic and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent but did you know we can help change that?

Global warming and other environmental concerns are front page news in recent months and just yesterday the UN warned we have 12 years to curb climate change.
Sea levels are rising, oceans are covered in plastic and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent but did you know we can help change that?
Simple lifestyle changes and going 'green' doesn't have to mean expensive investments like solar panelling or buying an electric car. There are many simple ways to play your part in protecting the environment and you can get your family involvedalong the way too.
Plant an edible garden
Grow your own greens or maybe even plant a tree and start composting while you are at it. It is a great way to get your whole family involved and educate them on how important it is to look after the environment. The kids will love it!
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Do your bit to reduce waste by investing in reusable water bottles, keep cups for coffees on the go and carry a reusable bag with you at all times. Most coffee shops offer discounts to customers who use a reusable cup. If that is not a good enough incentive, iI don't know what is. Ditch the throwaway straws, plastic utensils, paper plates and cups too.
Turn off the lights
Save electricity by turning off lights when you leave a room. Switch off everything when you leave the house or head to bed and never charge your mobile phone overnight. Not only is it dangerous it could be plugged in for up to nine hours wasting electricity unnecessarily. Did you know if you leave an appliance on standby you are still using 10% electricity?
Conserve water
Try bath less and shower more - it's that simple. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Reuse bath water to flush the toilet, water the plants or clean down the driveway. 
Use the clothesline
When possible avoid using the tumble dryer. Make use of the frequent windy weather and save energy and money at the same time.
Swap kitchen roll for cloth
Sounds a lot easier than you might think but by ditching the kitchen roll in favour of a pack of washable cloths you are saving roughly 200 rolls of kitchen roll going to landfill each year.
Energy-efficient appliances
Next time the cooker, washing machine or kettle needs replacing invest in an energy efficient model. Not only will it be good for the environment but you'll see those some savings in your pocket over time. Next time bulb blows pick up some LED bulbs. They use far less energy than standard light bulbs.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.