TAKING CARE OF OUR PLANET

1. "As inhabitants of the earth,
we are nourished and
sustained by Mother Earth
who provides us our food
and all the resources for
life. If she is healthy and
well, we will be healthy and
well. Our fates are
intertwined." —Dharma
Master Cheng Yen

2. Switch off and unplug. If you're not using it, why have
it on? Switch off everything you don't need -- it saves
power and it's a lower electricity bill for you!
Leaving devices plugged in, such as laptop chargers or
toasters, can eat up "phantom" energy. Even when an
appliance is turned off, it may still use power.
Opt for renewable energy sources.
Install solar panels or sky lights in your home. The
power of the sun will light up your home.
Innovative programs around the country now make
it possible for all environmentally conscious energy
consumers to support renewable energy directly by
participating in the "green" power market. Contact
your local power company to see if they participate
in the program.

3.  Change your light bulbs. Compact
florescent or LED light bulbs may cost more
initially, but they last much, much longer. Two
decades could pass before you need to buy
a new one.

4.  With the damage done to the environment, Nature's capacity to retain water is
becoming diminished. Water isn't going into rivers and many are drying up.
When it doesn't rain, we may face a water crisis.
 As there are so many people who need to use water in this world and water
resources are limited, if every one of us can use less water, the limited water
resources can last longer.

5. Cut down on the air conditioning.
 When you have windows and fans, why use
the air conditioner?
 If you don't absolutely have to (and most
times, you don't), skip the AC. It consumes a
lot of unnecessary power.

6.  Don't use disposable items.
 Throughout your day, make an effort to only
use items you can use again.
 Switch to cloth paper towels and diapers.
 Use your own silverware, plates, and cups --
never go plastic to avoid washing.
 Don't buy bottled water. Carry around your
own water bottle to stay hydrated.
 Bring eco-friendly bags to the grocery store.

7. Get a hybrid or bicycle.
 Who wants to get stuck in traffic anyway? A
bicycle is even better. You know why? You
spend zero money on gas, you
emit zero toxins into the environment, and
you burn way more than zero calories while
riding. Win. Win. Win.

8. Opt out of paper mail.
 Nowadays, everything is available online.
Whether it's your bills, junk, or the
newspaper, get out of it. For all your
statements, go green. Get an online account
for your bank, credit cards, and
subscriptions. Emails don't hurt the
environment.
 Start reading online. Magazines and
newspapers are slowly becoming a thing of
the past.

9. Recycle.
This is one of the most obvious and easiest ways
of helping the environment. Whether it's paper,
cardboard, plastic, aluminum, or tin, recycle it.
 Recycling doesn't stop there. Nowadays, you
can even recycle your old electronics and
even get paid to recycle your old phones and
MP3 players.

11. Buy less.
 Less everything. The fewer things you buy,
the smaller your footprint.
 Get into DIY projects to turn your trash into
treasure.
 Donate your unwanted goods to a thrift shop.

12. Compost.
 It's good for the environment and for your garden. Designate an area in your
yard to put your yard waste, fruit peels, and uneaten food.
 After a while, you'll be able to use it to fertilize
your lawn or garden.
It also is a cheaper alternative to reinvigorating soil. That means less methane in
our air to boot!

13. Keep your neighborhood beautiful.
 Setting a good example will encourage
others to follow suit. Do your part to keep
your area looking good.
 Plant trees in your area or local park.
 Don't litter! Anywhere or anytime.

14. Join an organization.
 Most towns and cities have numerous
organizations dedicated to beautifying and
bettering the area.
 Visit your local library, courthouse, tourist
office, and city website for more information
Speak up. Making your voice heard is the
first step to seeing progress. Write an article
for your local newspaper.

15. Learn more.
 After all, knowledge is power. The more you
know, the more you'll know what to do and
how to do it more efficiently and effectively.
 Chat up everyone you meet when on your
quest to help our planet.