I know we’re all thinking about the environment and how everything is going to pot. We have heard over and over again that the consequences of our actions are sure to create more extreme weather patterns and disrupt local climates—climates that humans, animals, and plants have depended on for centuries. But what can you do about it right now?

Refrain from drinking pre-bottled water. The carbon emissions from the production and transport of bottled water are astounding. First you have to harvest the water, which requires machinery, which emits carbon. Then you have to make the bottles, which are plastic. Then you’ve got to transport this heavy water all over the world. And at the end of it all, you have an empty bottle that will probably wind up in the the middle of the ocean. Instead, use your local tap water. If you don’t trust it, buy a Brita filter. And carry local water with you in your own bottle so you don’t wind up having to buy bottled water when you’re thirsty. Consider buying carbon offsets. Everyone knows that flying across the country in an airplane is one of the absolutely worst things you can do for the environment. But if you need to fly, there really is no alternative. So why not pay a minimal fee to offset your footprint. The money you pay to offset your trip will go back to helping the environment. Cut back on the beef consumption. Even if you substitute chicken for beef once a week, you’ll be making a difference. Cattle require a lot of water, food, and land—and they naturally release a lot of methane. It doesn’t take a lot to make that burger a turkey burger.

If you any other quick tips, feel free to share them in the comments below.