Did you know that nearly everything you do has an impact on the climate system? From what you're going to have for breakfast, to how you're going to get to work, nearly everything makes a difference.

Making 'small' changes in some of your everyday activities and choices, like unplugging small appliances and electronics when they're not in use, can have a big impact on curbing global warming. You don't have to rearrange your life or spend a bunch of money to make a difference.

Here are 10 other things you can do to reduce your impact, actually save money in the long run, and improve your quality of life.

1. Calculate your Carbon Footprint
Find out how to calculate your carbon footprint (here's a local calculator). Understanding your carbon emissions is the first step to taking action to reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Change a Light Bulb (or two)
Electricity consumption is one of the largest components of a household's carbon footprint. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 10 times as long.

3. Drive Less
In the United States, a personal motor vehicle is the largest contributor to a typical household's carbon footprint. Combining trips, carpooling, using public transportation, walking and biking all help reduce your carbon footprint. Keep up with scheduled maintenance and properly inflate tires to make your existing vehicle as efficient as possible when you do drive. The next time you replace your vehicle, consider purchasing the most fuel-efficient model that meets your needs.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling materials requires less energy and fewer raw materials than creating a new product from scratch. Take reusable cloth bags to the store, don't accept paper and plastic bags when you really don't need them, and choose products that don't have excessive packaging.

5. Use Less Water
Pumping and heating water require large amounts of energy. Take shorter showers, install a low-flow shower head, turn the water off while you shave or brush your teeth, and wash clothes in cold water.

6. Plant a Tree
Deforestation accounts for up to 20 percent of the carbon dioxide released each year worldwide. Growing trees sequester carbon, and trees also help cool cities and reduce power consumption for air conditioning.

7. Eat Lower on the Food Chain
Adopt a diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and minimizes meat, seafood and processed foods. Meat is a particular energy hog. Producing one pound of beef generates 36 pounds of carbon dioxide.

8. Buy Efficient Appliances
Replacing older appliances with Energy Star appliances can significantly reduce your electricity bill and your carbon footprint. Start with the refrigerator, which uses the most electricity in an average home.

9. Adjust your Thermostat
Set your thermostat two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in winter to save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Change your furnace filter regularly and seal gaps around windows and doors to allow your heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently. Note: These are estimates. Individual savings will vary based on many factors.

10. Spread the Word
Tell a friend about what you are doing to make a difference. Join the community conversation here.