A common thread among human beings is the planet on which we all reside. And even though the Earth is home to us all, not everyone is aware of the kind of damage we inflict upon the planet day-in and day-out. While the "green" trend has shed a substantial amount of light on environmental issues that plague our world, some may feel overwhelmed when it comes to getting involved with environmental conservation.

Top 10 ways to get involved with environmental conservation:

1. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) a citizen of the United States of America generates over four and a half pounds of waste a day, which over the course of a year adds up to approximately 1700 pounds for just one person. The waste of the nation as a whole comes in at over 250 million tons per year. Reducing the amount of garbage that ultimately ends up buried in landfills or torched in an incinerator is an easy way to help protect the planet. Investing in reusable products versus one-time use only items (like coffee cups and plastic grocery bags) can help to reduce your amount of unnecessary residual waste.

2. Another type of waste to be conscious of if you are looking to conserve our environmental resources is energy expenditure. A simple change from a traditional light bulb to one of the compact fluorescent variety can use up to 75 percent less energy and last 13 times as long.

3. Using less water is another strategy to implement in the battle for our Earth. Everything from shower heads to lawn sprinklers have been improved upon for better water conservation and can be installed to improve the water efficiency of your home.

4. Pest plants are a damaging element in our natural habitats because once released into the wild, they overrun and can ultimately cause the extinction of native flora and fauna. Local ecosystems harbor delicate balances that need to be maintained and when species die off, the consequences can be dire. Check with your local Department of Natural Resources and Environment to see which pest plants should be removed from your garden.

5. Buying locally produced organic food is yet another way to help conserve the environment. When you purchase mass-produced meat and vegetables, you are supporting the use of chemicals and pesticides which are extremely detrimental to not only the environment, but your health as well. Locally grown organic food not only encourages a healthy planet, but often tastes better too. And by buying locally, you end up supporting farmers in your own community.

6. Not every change depends on what we do personally. Let your political leaders know that you expect their support and backing in environmental conservation and that by caring about our home now our heirs will inherit a beautiful place to call home.

7. Sponsor programs make it easy for those looking to help who may not have a lot of extra time to give. By adopting a highway, sponsoring tree planting or even donating to a conservation group, you can help to extend the life of our planet.

8. By simply telling your friends, co-workers or even complete strangers you happen to strike up a conversation with, you can educate others on their personal impact on the environment. After all, knowledge really is power.

9. Electronic devices that are left on when not in use eat up energy that could easily be saved. Laptops, computer monitors, cell phone chargers and the like are all big power wasters and by being mindful of unplugging and turning these items off can make a big difference.

10. Becoming involved with environmental conservation organizations through volunteering your time and effort is an excellent way to help preserve our natural resources. You can join these groups on the national or state level, but there are also local organizations whose aim is to help preserve habitats and ecosystems close to where you live. Even a small portion of your time can make a huge impact on the future of our planet.

However, no matter how big or small of a contribution one makes, it all adds up in the fight to save our planet.