Its easy to fall into the trap of thinking that one person can't make a difference, so 'why then bother changing my ways?'. I believe that one person can make a difference in making the world a greener place and it comes down to the choices we make as individuals...eventually the numbers add up and ultimately become a groundswell. As they say, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Great, you say, I get it; but how much influence can I really have?

I believe there are five main areas where your choices can have an impact:

Consumer choice: where do you spend your dollars? And where you choose not to spend your money can be as important. Support green companies, manufacturers, suppliers and vendors. And if you choose not to give your business to an organization because they aren't green, then let them know with a letter or email.

Political choice: where do you spend your vote? Educate yourself about green issues and support your representatives at the municipal, state/provincial and federal level that you believe are working to make the world a greener place.

Lifestyle choice: where do you spend your energy? This will depend on your priorities and life situation but making choices about energy conservation in your home, how and where you vacation, how you commute to work...these all can have an impact.

Community choice: where do you spend your time? This can mean volunteering at or donating to non-profits focused on the environment, starting environmental awareness programs at your childrens' schools or at work, getting involved community projects that clean up your local environment.

Employment choice: where do you spend your working hours? Start a program to make your workplace greener, encourage your employer to support green non-profits, or if you are choosing between two potential employers - make their environmental policies part of your decision.

We are lucky enough to live in a world where we have the freedom to make our own choices so exercise that freedom.

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