When trying to lessen your carbon footprint, setting unrealistic goals will only frustrate you instead of inspiring you to do more. Start small. Set up a recycling area in your home so you can drop empty cans and junk mail into a bag in the closet rather than toss them into the trash out of laziness. Turn off lights when leaving a room. Buy less in general, and when you do go shopping head to farmer's markets and thrift stores instead of the mega-mall.