by Bhumika Ghimire

Created on: August 13, 2007   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Being environmentally conscious is the "IN" thing nowadays. More people are willing to take serious steps to protect the environment and cut down on their wasteful ways.Part of this "green" movement started after Al Gore's "Inconvenient Truth", when people heard about the effects of human activity on climate change.

We are citizens of this world and it is our responsibility to do our part in protecting the environment. It is not tough to be environmentally conscious and lead a "green" life,all it takes is willingness to change long set ways.

I don't think this is the place to dole out advice, since I am not an expert in this field. However I want to share with you my "green" ways so that you get an idea and start your own "green" way of life:

# Recycle: I recycle kitchen water, paper, glass/plastic containers and plastic bags. The containers, I use them to store spices, my craft items(beads etc) and the plastic bags go for grocery shopping and as trash bags(this way I cut out buying trash bags separately).I do not buy newspapers but read them online-this saves paper( not so sure about the newspaper's bottom line though!).

#Conscious: While dining out, I try to take only 2 or 3 napkins and make sure I use them. If I don't then I keep then and use it later(I try not to throw away perfectly fine piece of napkin).Also at home, we don't use paper towels, it's all recycled cloth rags. For cloth rags I used old t-shirts, sheets or towels. We try not to buy cloths unless we absolutely need to, saving money and not dumping more stuff to the landfill.

#Walk. We don't have car, so walking is what we do best. We also use public transportation.Recently we bought a bike, which helps us stay in shape and not add pollutants to the air.

#Less is more. We try to consume less and recycle more. Less consumption helps in reducing trash and we have less stuff sitting around in our house. Also, we donate items no longer needed, and I buy clothing from GoodWill.

#Go vegetarian: Going vegetarian, just for one day in week helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions and saves precious plant resources.It is also good for your health. I have cut down my meat intake substantially-now its once couple of weeks.

#Short showers and less singing: Taking quick showers helps save water. Because of drought several parts of the world is suffering from acute water shortage, it is not wise to waste water when millions are going without it.

Hope you take proactive steps starting today to save mother earth.

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