Climate change has more to do with the environmental impacts of big corporations than the small, daily actions of the public. However, the decisions of large companies are heavily influenced by consumers. By changing your lifestyle in a few small ways, you can promote sustainability while encouraging mega corporations to do the same.

1. Thrift your clothes

The fashion industry accounts for over 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to overproduction and waste. People today but 60% more clothing than they did in 2000. Shopping at thrift stores instead of buy unused clothes is a great way to keep your money from funding the production of more clothes. Although thrifting can have a reputation of being difficult or time consuming, the trick is to turn your shopping excursion into a fun day out. Invite a friend to go with you, or grab a drink on the way. Dedicated thrifters often have no trouble finding high quality, fashionable pieces at less than half of retail price.

2. Ditch the car

Gas is expensive, and transportation produces 28% percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing alternative forms of transportation can be more convenient and fun. For example, when you ride your bike or the bus, you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Another option is to carpool. Even riding with just one other person would cut your carbon emissions in half. Not to mention, now you can ride with a friend instead of being alone.

3. Plan your meals

Food waste is another significant source of pollution. Food often ends up in the trash because it spoils before we have a chance to use it. Planning what you are going to eat at the beginning of each week allows your family to make less grocery store trips, and reuse the ingredients to you have instead of buying more. Besides helping save money, this can also bring your family closer by encouraging everyone to participate in family dinners when they can.

4. Shop locally

In more rural areas, its hard to find everything you need at local stores. However, shopping from stores in your home town is better for the environment and your community. Ordering products online produces lots of emissions because they often have to be transported across the country or the world. It also produces waste in the form of plastic and cardboard packaging. Instead of paying mega corporations like Amazon for the convenience, find what you can at local shops and the farmer's market.

5. Don't pick plastic

Single use plastics like Dutch Bros cups and plastic bags are filling up our landfills, and since they do not decompose, they are going to be around pretty much forever. Bring reusable bags to grocery stores, pack your own lunch, make your coffee at home, use a reusable water bottle. All these choices and more will help you save money and reduce plastic pollution.

Climate change is a global problem, but solutions start at the smallest levels. Changing a few small habits in your daily life won't make a huge difference, but you can encourage others to do the same, and encourage a societal transition to sustainability.