These ten easy steps are ways you can reduce the amount of carbon you contribute to the atmosphere. A rise in average temperatures could cause the sugar maple to be replaced by more heat-tolerant oaks and conifers in most of the United States by the end of this century.

1. Buy local foods when available.
    
2. Reduce; Use reusable materials such as canvas grocery bags, travel mugs, water bottles. Avoid products with lots of packaging.
    
3. Change your old light bulbs to energy saving bulbs.
    
4. Compost your leaves and food wastes.
    
5. Reduce your heat in your house; by reducing your heat by 2 degrees you can reduce 2,000 lbs of carbon per year.
    
6. Turn off electronic devices when not in use.
    
7. Drive less, car pool or use public transportation.
    
8. Use less hot water, wash clothes in cold water instead of hot, take shorter showers, insulate your hot water heater, air dry your clothes.
    
9. Travel local; discover the world in your own backyard instead of flying to far away places. Discover New York!
    
10. Tune up your car! Check your tires, air filters, etc.