Behavioral Changes Could Reduce Greenhouse Emissions Without Crimping Anyone's Style

We're so accustomed to our comfy little lifestyles -- doing massive loads of laundry whenever we want, hopping into the car to buy one roll of paper towels, making meat a mainstay of every meal -- but all of us know by now that these common behaviors are contributing to global warming.

The problem is that not just a smattering of people in America are following these patterns...the vast majority are, and that adds up to a whole lot of carbon dioxide emissions.

More than anything, I believe that the single most monumental stumbling block to people adopting eco-friendly lifestyle changes is either that:

a) they think that they are just one household and their contributions really won't matter.

b) they perceive it as a sacrifice that infringes on their rights as a hard working American.

According to the research team at The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, what we initiate today and consistently stick to for the next 10 years could actually make a marked difference in the health of our planet.

They go as far as to insist that modifications to our lifestyle will have "little or no effect on household well-being" but ultimately reduce 20% (or 123 million metric tons) of CO2 in our atmosphere.

Bear this in mind -- the quality of life of those in other countries (such as France, Great Britain and Sweden) is just as good as what Americans enjoy -- and yet our country is responsible for producing 2 - 3 times MORE CO2 than they are.

What could we all every single day to lower our per capita emissions? The following seven suggestions just scratch the surface of the simple lifestyle changes that we can all adopt without really breaking a sweat:

1) Drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle, regularly maintain it and cruise at the most efficient speed of 55 miles an hour.

2) Plan your errands accordingly and resist the urge to go out for just one solitary item.

3) Carpool when you can or use public transportation.

4) Ride a bike or walk whenever possible rather than automatically relying on a car to get around.

5) Improve your household insulation.

6) Use energy efficient household appliances and unplug electronics when not in use.

7) When in doubt, stay out of the stores and instead reuse, recycle, and repurpose household items.

Can you add to the list? More importantly, would you please share your perspective on how challenging you think it is to adopt consistent behavioral changes? Has it been easy for you or have you been finding it more tough? Why?