Taking time to make conscious decisions about how you use—and reuse—resources will not only benefit the planet, it’ll make you feel good, too.



If you love someone, you try to show it. Unless, you’re doing that creepy stalking thing that you don’t want anyone to know about. But I don’t think the planet will think you’re a stalker if you show her a little love. I’ve never heard of the Earth taking out a restraining order. Although I can’t say I’d blame her if she thought about it once in a while.

But if you’re like me and you want to show the planet a little sumpsin, sumpsin—and let her know that you love, love, love her—why not make a few changes. Not just in your attitude, although that will help. But think about making a few practical changes. Just a few small ones will make a big difference.   

Use the 50% rule. I love this idea from the mind of financial guru Jeff Yeager. The 50% rules says that if the repair of an item will cost 50% or less than that of the original cost, it’s worth it to make the repair. Sound advice for everything from appliances to clothes. If you can repair something, do. It’ll save money in the long run, but it will also do a good thing for the planet by forcing less waste to the curb. You might also want to read Jeff Yeagar’s book, "The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches." Or check out his website at www.UltimateCheapskate.com.

Green your groceries. Buy local, shop seasonal and choose organic. Supporting local food producers allows you to go green while spending less than you’d spend at conventional grocery stores. Farmer's market produce is not only lower in pesticides, but is often less expensive than buying organic produce in the supermarket because overhead and shipping costs are minimal.

Turn off the tap. Simply put, use less water. Take shorter showers, and turn your water heater thermostat down to 110 degrees to save on electricity. Remember to turn the tap off while you brush your teeth, too. According to the EPA, the average person wastes about 5 gallons of water a day just brushing their teeth.

Green your fitness routine. Instead of getting in your car and driving to the gym, why not get on your bike and go for a spin around the neighborhood? Or simply put on your walking shoes and take a brisk stroll.  Can’t give up the StairMaster? If you have stairs in your house, you don’t have to. Running the stairs inside your house will be just as effective as a stair climbing machine at the gym and will reduce your carbon footprint considerably. 

These are just a few ideas. If you’re really serious about giving Mother Nature some well deserved love, check out the books below for some more good info.


Small is Possible: Life in a Local Economy, by Lyle Estill

Serve God, Save the Planet, A Christian Call to Action, by J. Matthew Sleeth

Made From Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life, by Jenna Woginrich

Whatever Happened to Thrift: Why Americans Don’t Save and What to Do About It, by Ronald Wilcox

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It, by John Seymour

Voluntary Simplicity, by Duane Elgin