Do you love your mom?

Do you ever have thoughts like ‘I should do something more to conserve’ or ‘What can I do to help preserve the planet?’ Well, you are not alone. ‘Being green’ has been the vogue thing to be lately. Using less and reusing more is in everyone’s best interest. Some of the problems that we face currently are the result of actions by our parents, their parents, and their grandparents. We also benefit from progress made over their lifetimes. Things such as lead-free paints, lighting and ventilation requirements in the workplace, and vehicle emission restrictions are just a few of modern conveniences we partake of due to others’ actions. There are numerous examples of progress if we only look. And, of course, many of these actions are in their infancy and not suitable replacements for true accountability but they are a start. Are you ready to be responsible for what our generation has or has not done?

Awareness is the first step. As consumers, we are constantly bombarded by messages such as ‘environmentally friendly,’ ‘post-consumer material,’ and ‘landfill safe.’ These claims sound good, but what do they really mean? The casual member of society will not know. This is where the internet is a huge asset. We have nearly unlimited access to information at our fingertips (literally). It can be a daunting task to determine where to make changes to your current lifestyle in favor of ecology. Common suggestions include replacing your light bulbs with more efficient CFLs (compact fluorescent light), maintaining proper air pressure in your car tires, and installing a programmable thermostat in your home. But what if you already have done those things and want or can do more? I came across a great website, thedailygreen.com. This site is aimed towards regular people like you and me that want information on the environment and on what they can do to make a difference. The site will even give you local temperature, air quality, where to find green food, and where to recycle based on your zip code. Take a look and make a difference.