1)  

The Tote: Nearly every grocery store in the US now has their own canvas tote bags that sell for only a few dollars. Buy a few and use them each time you shop. Plastic bags are deadly to wildlife populations both on the land and in the waters of this planet. They fill our landfills and leech harmful chemicals into the soil. They deface trees on the side of the highway. They float in our oceans, trapping and killing sea mammals and birds. One more shopping tip: Write your grocery list on the back of a used envelope.

2)  

Water Aware: Turning off the water while lathering hands and brushing teeth can save gallons. Tankless, energy efficient water heaters bring hot water to your shower immediately and you won't have to let precious, life-giving water go down the drain while you wait for it to heat. Only fill the tea kettle and cooking pot with just the amount of water you need. Wash hands and clothes in cold water.

3)  

Bright Idea: Replace your light bulbs with compact florescents, readily available in every discount, grocery and hardware store.

4)  

Ban the Bottle: Stop buying bottled water. Carry a reusable and refillable bottle. Vast numbers of plastic water bottles end up in landfills each year.

5)  

Take the Heat: Lower the setting on your central air thermostat. A change of just one degree makes a difference. Better yet, open the windows and turn on a fan. We must realize what is at stake when we continue to act only out of a concern for our physical comfort.

6)  

Clean Green: Replace your old standard cleaning products with eco-friendly (usually animal-friendly, too) products. Green options are more and more available at our mainstream stores. Look for Seventh Generation, Mrs. Myers, Eco, and many other household products that don't pollute.

7)  

Compost, Don't Compact: Fruits, vegetables, and other naturally derived products can be composted, as they easily break down to make rich fertilizer for your gardens.

8)  

Buy Local: Buying local produce and dry goods saves on fuel and oil consumption of long-distance transport and reduces harmful air pollution. Plus, it is fresher and tastes better. Be aware of the origins of your fruits and vegetables — do you REALLY need those grapes that were grown in Chile?