Global warning is no longer an assumption. It is a fact.

Even though a global movement is needed to truly reserve and prevent further devastating environmental effects, why not start with your very own state?

While sweeping state legislation does help the problem on a macro-level, each individual citizen can do his or her own part.

It is each individual citizen's responsibility to understand the issues that affect one's daily life and to take action, whenever possible, to help create a sustainable environment for generations to come.

The earth should be thought of as a commodity. It should be seen as a resource for the betterment of the human population, but not at the expense of every other non-human living organism.

With this said, I invite every citizen to make his or her life a little greener. I just ask you to think about your daily activities, and ask yourself if there are ways you can strengthen your environmental footprint.

Please try your best to live life a little greener.

Here are a few fun facts to know about the environment and going green:

In February 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a United Nations entity that assesses the scientific record on global warming, found that "warming of the climate system is unequivocal."It also concluded, with more than 90 percent certainty, that human activities are to blame because of activities since the mid-twentieth century.

New hybrid vehicle sales have grown more than 49 percent nationwide in the first seven months of 2007 when compared to the same time frame in 2006, according to R. L. Polk & Co. Hybrid cars can produce 90 percent less pollutants than comparable non-hybrid cars. Hybrids can get up to 60 miles per gallon on the highway, which means less fill-ups at the gas station. To increase gas mileage further, keep your vehicle tuned up and keep the tired inflated properly.

According to the website, Greenelementsdesign.com, choosing natural body product that do not contain chemicals or petroleum-derived ingredients can have a large impact on the environment.

- Wash clothes in cold water and save up to 90 percent of the energy needed to wash a load using warm water.

- Choose non-toxic cleaning alternatives, like baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice to protect your health and our waterways.

- Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers at all costs. Not only do they pollute our waterways through run-off, but these toxic chemicals are tracked inside on shoes and pet paws.

- Choose organic materials, especially when selecting cotton. According to the Organic Trade Association, traditional cotton production accounts for 25 percent of insecticide use and 10 percent of pesticide use worldwide.

- Choose rechargeable batteries to keep battery toxins out of landfills.

- And finally, don't toss your old cell phone in the trash. Find a local shelter or charity that collects them.

Learn more about this author, Krysta Venturella.
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