Glaciers are melting and the planet is plagued by freakish new weather patterns. Over the next century, the temperature of the earth's surface could rise as much as 10°F‑an increase we haven't seen since we emerged from the Ice Age 10,000 years ago.

How can one little person make a difference? By looking for ways to reduce the number of greenhouse gases we release into the air.

Carbon dioxide is the worst offender, so one place to start is by turning your thermostat down just 3°F this winter. You'll hardly notice the difference, and you will lower the amount of carbon dioxide put into the air by nearly 1,100 pounds. Even better, for every degree reduction, you will save 2 to 3 percent on your fuel bill. See? Doing good really does pay.