Before reading this blog, go to lifegoggles.com and download their free 100 Ways to Save the Planet PDF. I’ll wait while you download it. *Whistles, looking away, twiddling thumbs* No really, you won’t get that same do-good feeling unless you can see some of the things we’re talking about on this list. When we’re all on the same page, let’s start looking at some of these 100 tips for lending a hand to Mother Earth.

As you’re scrolling down the list, you’ll notice that some suggestions involve a lifestyle change, like becoming a vegetarian (#13) or using cars less (#21). Others involve very little change, like making sure your fridge door closes properly (#96) or swapping outfits with your friends instead of buying new ones (#69). (Note: for this last suggestion, wardrobe changes with friends of the same gender are recommended, but hey, who are we to judge?) You’ll also see a number of items mentioned in the list that you encounter every day: flowers, milk (soy or cow), toothpaste, junk mail… it seems that nearly everything in our life has the chance to get a little greener. From turning your bathtub into a sofa to using the library more often, there are opportunities everywhere for good, clean, environmentally friendly fun.

“But wait,” you say, “I already do a lot of the things on this list. Recycling? Duh. Buying organic? Naturally.” Chances are, there are a number of things on the list that you do already. You may not even think twice about some of them, like buying your music online instead of on CD. As you spot more and more environmentally friendly practices that are already a part of your daily life, feel free to feel proud. Feel great about what you do that helps to make our society an environmentally sustainable one. Give yourself a pat on the back, a hug, and a chocolate cookie. You deserve it.

Flexing your green muscle is a little like stretching or practicing a sport. It takes dedication and discipline, but it gets easier as you go. Yesterday, it might have seemed like a huge hurdle to write your government representatives about environmental issues that matter to you. Tomorrow, you’ll be a mover and a shaker—effecting legislation, investing in green businesses, and taking on new projects every day. Always remember to appreciate how far you’ve come (no matter where you started) and give yourself credit for what you do. Maybe this list will offer some new ideas that you hadn’t considered before. Maybe you can think of others to add to it. Either way, it helps to acknowledge your everyday achievements.

You can also try using the list from lifegoggles as a game. What’s your score out of 100? If it’s 90 or more, consider yourself an eco-legend; if you get 80 and above, how great! Even if you get only 10 or 20, consider what items they were and congratulate yourself on having incorporated them into your lifestyle. This may seem like a “no environmentalist left behind” approach, but while we strive to improve our environment and our quality of life, it’s important to recognize our efforts and accomplishments along the way.

Oh yeah, one more thing: when you get to #86, give me a call. (I love honey!)

References, Resources, & Photo Source:

100 Ways to Save the Planet | LifeGoggles.com