I’m, however, constantly befuddled by the term “small lifestyle changes” when trying to encourage people to try and make a positive difference.

Why not ask people to do whatever is in their power to lessen the impact on the environment?
At some point, people will have to determine how they want the world to look when they leave. Doing your utmost to put as little strain on the planet as possible SHOULD be the norm.

People are too struck with the notion of convenience; they leave lights on, have their AC’s, computers and TV’s on all day etc etc.

How about legislating against this kind of convenience? There’s a thought that would scare any regular American.