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your representatives at the state and federal levels and demand a smarter, stronger, more secure energy policy which provides incentives to conservation.

Use solar panels or wind power for a portion of your heating. There are many energy companies that will compensate individuals for energy provided back into the grid from an alternative source. Perhaps the government should give tax breaks to families working to move away from the main power grid. This does call, mind you, for letters and generally active participation in the politics of the United States.

Switch to natural gas where possible. Natural gas burns very clean and is fairly abundant in the western hemisphere. Just remember that there are environmental consequences to over-reliance on natural gas as well. Look into the area of Southwestern Colorado or at Wyoming's Powder River Basin to see how massive numbers of well pads in a small area and the subsequent infrastructure and travel resulting from them creates harmful effects on the wildlife, the natural area, and the local population.

Investigate before buying products or using services. Where do they come from? Is that furniture made from sustainable wood forest products? Does the company that makes the product actively pursue human rights and environmental practices throughout the production and distribution processes? Human rights are part and parcel of truly being green. They go together hand in hand.

Transportation presents, perhaps, the greatest challenge to the United States in terms of environmental destruction. There's not much to do when trying to shuttle five or six budding soccer, football, or swimming stars to and from all the activities, events, spelling bees, games, practices, other school and social events without using up a hefty level of gasoline. As much as possible, find out what sort of manufacturing processes are used in buying that next SUV. If within the realm of possibility, buy a hybrid SUV that may not get much better gas mileage but that will reduce carbon emissions. Certain car companies recycle up to 95% of the material they use in manufacturing, thus reducing the impact on landfills. Some have certified green buildings for headquarters and from which to buy your next auto. Support these if you can and explain to your children why you are driving four extra hours to buy a car (or have it delivered to you-explain to the dealership why you are buying the vehicle from them).

Obviously, a small hybrid or even a low emissions

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