Now that Earth Day is behind us, there’s no reason to stop the green efforts you’ve been making the past week! This year’s Earth Day was the biggest ever, with an estimated 1 billion people worldwide participating in various Earth Day events and efforts. The 2008 theme, Call for Climate, focuses on a global warming action theme.

Even if you’re not necessarily an eco-activist (InventHelp’s Gadget Girl makes an effort, but I admit that I’m addicted to long, hot showers), here are a few ways that you can make an everyday effort to reduce global warming:

1. Change Your Light Bulbs (Difficultly Level: Easy) – The invention of compact fluorescent light bulbs makes it easier than ever to give your home the “green” light. Replacing just three frequently used bulbs in your home can save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide and $60 a year.
2. Buy Local and Organic (Difficulty Level: Medium) – By shopping for local products, you eliminate carbon emissions resulting from extensive transports across state and country lines. Plus, you support the local economy. Also, be sure to check out the latest organic clothing inventions in your favorite department store. InventHelp’s Gadget Girl is addicted to soft, organic cotton T-shirts!
3. Go Hybrid (Difficultly Level: Challenging) – One of the most exciting automotive inventions of the last 10 years is the hybrid. If you’re in the market for a new car, try test-driving a hybrid. There are plenty of styles, from compact sedans to SUVs, from a variety of automotive companies. Although hybrids are a little more costly, most drivers find that saving an average of 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year (in addition to thousands of dollars in gas) offsets the higher sticker price. Even if you don’t go hybrid, make MPG a factor in your buying decisions.

Just because Earth Day is over doesn’t mean you should give up the effort. Even the smallest changes add up over time. InventHelp and Gadget Girl say “Thanks!” for choosing Earth-friendly inventions!