Don't Stress About It

Superheros are fictional. However, feeling motivated toward making a change to support the environment and a better quality of life is the real deal.

Most of us do what we can to watch our budgets and make our shared planet a better place. As Earth Month 2010 (yep, that's April) gears up, look for what you can do to be a bit more conscious without making it an epic task.

Check out the article below to take a few simple steps. My favs are highlighted and don't stress about it, awareness is the first step.

~ j

5 Things You Can Do to Help the Environment Right Now

Do you think that you are powerless to help the environment, because you are only one person? Think again! There are simple changes you can make to your daily routine to help the environment, and even improve your health and save you money.

The environment is a hot topic these days, and there is a lot of information out there about what is wrong and what we can do about it. All this information can be overwhelming, and leave you unsure of where to start. There are simple things that you can do everyday to do your part for the environment, and most of them take nothing more than an extra few seconds of your time.

5. Recycle

Who cares if I just throw this one can in the garbage instead of the recycle bin? If everyone in the U.S. thought this way, and threw out just one can or plastic bottle a day, imagine the amount of waste that would be poured into our landfills. Not to mention the amount of packaging that could be recycled instead, and used in a positive way. It is so easy to recycle at home, it's no more difficult than taking out the regular garbage, you just need to put your recyclables into whatever container your city or town requires for pick up. If you are really ambitious, those soda cans can even be turned into profit if you have a recycling facility nearby that will pay you for them. More and more restaurants, stores and other venues are providing recycling receptacles for you when you are out of the house as well, making it a snap to recycle when you're out and about.

4. Skip the paper or plastic at the grocery store

There are many reusable shopping bags available, and they are even available in fun colors, patterns, or with fun sayings on them. There are reusable bags that fold up into tiny little packages, making it easier than ever to pop them in your purse or pocket and take them with you wherever you go. Keep a supply in your car so that even when you make an unexpected stop at the store, you don't have to use paper or plastic.

3. Walk or take a bike ride

Is the grocery store less than a mile from your house? Think about walking or biking there. It's good for the environment, great for your health, and can actually be a great stress reliever. If you live within a short distance of your job, you might even think about biking to work. It takes a little bit of effort on your part, but the payoffs can be big. With gas prices as high as they are right now, it will even save you some money!

2. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Take a look at the ingredients in the cleaning products you use in your house. Scary, isn't it? Environmentally friendly cleaning products are becoming more common, more affordable, and easier to find. Not only will it help the environment, but it will also keep toxins and chemicals out of your house, which can have a great affect on your health, and the health of your children or pets. And the number one thing you can do to help the environment right now...

1. Realize that you can make a difference, even though you are just one person.

You often hear people say: "I'm just one person, how can I make a difference?". If everyone in this country thought that way, the end result would be disastrous. You have the power to do your part, and for each person who does their part, this earth will be so much better off for it.

We have a responsibility to ourselves, and to our children to do whatever we can to leave this earth a better place than when we got here. Go ahead, take a few small steps, and know that you ARE making a difference.