by Katey Phipps

Created on: April 23, 2008

By making positive contributions to our environment, community, as well as family and friends, we are making a change in the world. No matter how big or small, a change occurs. These things strongly influence our health and behavior. By being conscious of consumption, we can positively affect the earth. Through giving back to our community, we can change the lives of those around us. Last, by enriching the lives of our family and friends, they in return will contribute to the community which will finally affect the environment that we live.

Every second we are changing the environment. It begins with the air we breathe, the car we drive, to the water we drink. We as a people share the problem of over consumption. We are a wasteful people in comparison to those in other countries. If each family would put forth a small amount of effort, it would change the big picture overall. Our goal is to establish a cleaner, more productive earth. I personally can be a contributor by even doing the simple things such as remembering to shut off the lights, limiting the amount of time the T.V. is on, and shortening showers. By doing this, I am being an example to others. It all starts with one person. By cleaning up the world around me, I am benefiting my community as well.

My community is my responsibility. It is my duty to watch out for those people around me. Things which can do for those in my area are as follows. I can drive with caution through my neighborhood watching out for small children preventing disaster. Also, I can help a neighbor who ever is in need. I can do this by doing small tasks and chores to lighten their burden. For the children in my community, I can promote a fund-raiser that coincides with President Bush's No Child Left Behind program. Every child deserves an equal opportunity in life by getting a good education. My fund-raiser will raise money for children to pay school fees. I would also collect books for kids to practice their reading skills that are so vital for the development of a brilliant mind. Finally, we can show our respect for the elderly by helping with daily issues they face. These issues include yard work, house maintenance, and groceries.

Friends and family are the primary source of what shapes us individually. I can contribute to these loved ones with the words I speak. Words are a powerful tool that can either be used for good or evil. If I use this tool to build others, it will bring a smile which is contagious. Kind words have been proved to be healing. Everyone needs a friend. I can reach out to those who are in need of one. I can make them feel cared about and listen to them. This one small act of kindness may change someone's life.

The world and its beings will forever be in need. By starting now, everyone can make small reasonable changes to their daily routine which will greatly change the world around us. I will start now by being the example to my community and family/friends. Finally, I will help my environment by consuming less which results in longer use of our resources. Huge contributions definitely alter the world around us all; however, it is the small deeds that every person is capable of doing that make the biggest impact. This is the effecting change.

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