by K.C. Jean Kellam

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

While a desire to live green is what most Americans wish to achieve, living green by example can be a daunting task. But, converting to a lifestyle that makes a positive impact on yourself and your environment can be easy and rewarding. By making some of the most basic changes to your everyday habits, you can find a compromise between a life you are comfortable with and a healthier, friendlier approach to both yourself and your environment.

1. Baby steps. Don't throw everything out of the cupboards and cabinets yet. Buy a book or browse the internet for information on how to "go green," or how to eliminate harmful wastes, chemicals, and byproducts of both yourself and the products you use. Reading and learning about what types of products, chemicals, and foods are organic and exactly what makes them organic will be useful and definately get you on the green wagon, so to speak.

2. Keep on stepping. All you have to do is find one or two small things to work with while researching how to be eco-friendly. Find something that is easy to work on and roll with it. Maybe not stopping for a cup of coffee at the gas station, and instead investing in a to-go mug will not stop global warming from increasing. But if everyone took that little effort, it would then become a big effort, and in turn could be the impact on the global warming we are all looking and hoping for. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, consolidating chores and errands to save gasoline, and checking labels in the grocery store for organic, recycled, or eco-friendly materials and ingredients takes little time to accomplish, and we feel good right away. Our bodies respond positively, savings increase on gas and electric, and it just feels good to cut back and be less wasteful.

3. Lead the way. Once you've figured it out, show your support and set an example. If there is no recycle bin at the office, then be the one to bring it up at the next staff meeting. By using chemicals and eating foods that are safer and cleaner, our children also learning to do the same. Like little spongers, they absorb your world and in turn make it theirs. A healthy lifestyle and consideration for your environment radiate through.

4. Step it up a notch. Challenge yourself. Consider bigger changes, such as buying a hybrid car or moving into an area that promotes green living. By displaying these changes, even just discussing them, and being positive you will practice what you preach. It will not only be a philosophy your heard about, but one you feel right living by, and the benefits will be appreciated by all.

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