Every one of us has the power to make choices that protect nature, combat climate change, and take care of our planet. Illustration: UN Department of Global Communications

Eliminate extreme poverty. Fight inequality and injustice. Solve climate change issues. Wow. Global goals are important, and changing the world requires collaboration between governments, international organizations, and world leaders. It seems impossible for ordinary people to make an impact. Are you just going to give up?

Don't give up! Change starts with you. Really. Everyone on Earth, even the most indifferent and lazy among us, is part of the solution. Luckily, we can do some super simple things in our daily lives that, if everyone does them, will make a big difference.

What You Can Do on the Couch

- Plug household appliances (including computers) into power strips and completely turn them off when not in use to save electricity.

- Stop banking paper statements and pay bills online or through your phone.

- Like and share. If you see an interesting post on social media about women's rights or climate change, share it so people in your network can see it.

- Speak up! Engage your local and national representatives in initiatives that do not harm people or the planet. You can also support the Paris Agreement and urge your country to ratify or sign the agreement.

- Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a warm light, so turn off other lights if you don't need them.

- Do some online research and only buy from companies you know have sustainable practices and do not harm the environment.

- Report cyberbullying. If you find harassment on message boards or chat rooms, report that person.

- Stay informed. Follow local news, keep in touch with global goals online, or follow #GlobalGoals on Weibo.

- Interact with us on Weibo under #GlobalGoals and tell us about the actions you are taking to achieve global goals.

- Offset your carbon emissions! You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate credits from Climate Neutral Now.

What You Can Do at Home

- Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of using machines. If you are going to wash clothes, make sure the washing machine is fully loaded.

- Take short showers. Bathing in a bathtub requires more water than taking a 5 to 10-minute shower.

- Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. Meat requires more resources than plants. If you can't eat it, freeze fresh produce or leftovers before they spoil. You can also take out or order in if you know you won't want to eat leftovers. You'll save food and money.

- Compost — turning food scraps into compost can reduce climate impact while recycling nutrients.

- Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum to prevent landfills from expanding.

- Buy products with minimal packaging.

- Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need precise baking temperatures, start the oven when you need to heat food.

- Seal windows and doors to improve energy efficiency.

- Adjust the thermostat to be slightly lower in winter and slightly higher in summer.

- Replace old appliances and light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. If possible, install solar panels on your roof. This will also save on electricity bills!

- Use rugs. Rugs keep the house warm and allow the thermostat to be set lower.

- Don't rinse. If you use a dishwasher, don't rinse the dishes before running the machine.

- Choose better diapers. Use cloth diapers or new, environmentally friendly disposable brands for babies.

- Shovel snow manually. Avoid using noisy, polluting snow blowers and get some exercise in the process.

- Use cardboard matches. Unlike plastic lighters filled with gas, cardboard matches don't require any oil.

What You Can Do Outdoors

- Shop locally. Support community businesses to keep people employed and prevent excessive truck driving distances.

- Shop smartly — plan meals, use shopping lists, and avoid impulse buying. Don't fall for marketing tricks that lead you to buy more than you need, especially perishable items. Although the unit price may be cheaper, if most of it is thrown away, it becomes more expensive overall. Buy ugly fruits and vegetables, many of which are discarded because of their size, shape, or “imperfect” color. Purchase these high-quality but unattractive fruits at farmers' markets or other places, otherwise these foods may go to waste. When you go to a restaurant and order seafood, often ask: “Do you offer sustainable seafood?” Let your favorite merchants know that you have ocean-friendly seafood on your shopping list. Only buy sustainable products. There are many applications* that will tell you how to consume safely. Bring your own shopping bags. No more plastic bags, start using reusable shopping bags. Shop at thrift stores. New is not always the best. Check out what you can buy from thrift stores.

- Ride a bike, walk, or take public transportation. Drive in large groups. Maintain your car. A well-maintained car emits less toxic gases.

- Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups. Reduce waste and possibly save money at coffee shops. Use fewer napkins. You don't need a pile of napkins when eating takeout. Take one when you need it.

- Donate things you don't use. Local charities will give your gently-used clothes, books, and furniture a new home.

- Get vaccinated for yourself and your children. Protect your family from diseases, which also helps public health.

- Use your rights to elect national and local community leaders.

What You Can Do at Work

- Don't throw away unwanted fruits or snacks. Give it to someone in need or seeking help.

- In your workplace, is everyone getting health care? Understand your rights at work. Fight inequality.

- Mentor young people. It is a thoughtful, inspiring, and powerful way to guide others towards a better future.

- Women doing the same work earn 10%-30% less than men. Salary inequality stubbornly persists everywhere. Speak up and support equal pay for equal work.

- Four billion people worldwide do not have access to basic health services. Speak up and discuss the fact that many communities around the world lack toilets.

- Ensure your company uses efficient heating and cooling technology and adjusts the thermostat seasonally, lowering it in winter and raising it in summer.

- Stay informed. Learn about the conditions of workers in other countries and businesses. Discuss these topics with your colleagues. Is your company investing in clean and resilient infrastructure? This is the only way to ensure employee safety and protect the environment.

- Protest any form of discrimination in the workplace. Everyone is born equal, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, social background, and physical ability.

- Organize a "Zero Impact Week" at your workplace. Spend at least a week trying a more sustainable lifestyle.

- Speak up! Urge your company and government to join initiatives that do not harm people or the planet. Support the Paris Agreement!

Much of the waste we produce on land eventually ends up in the ocean.

Check and change daily decisions. Can waste be recycled at work? Is your company buying from businesses that harm the environment?

Knowing your rights will be a great help when seeking justice.

Corporate social responsibility is important! Encourage your company to collaborate with civil society to find ways to help local communities achieve their goals.