Summer is not necessarily the best time for our planet.

USA Today – As temperatures rise, so do our energy and water use, but there are ways we can combat this stressful time of year for our planet. There are relatively easy things you can do to shrink your carbon footprint, lead to more green actions, and initiate change on a larger scale.

It’s easy to be eco-friendly and still have a fun this summer with some simple steps – from what you eat to how you vacation and do your household chores.