With the risk of sounding over dramatic, I have completely changed my life recently.

I have always had a tremendous respect for all living things, and I have held the philosophies of "treading as lightly as possible on the Earth" and "live and let live." However, after some serious reflection on my actual habits, I decided my lifestyle was in need of a major overhaul. I (shamefully) drove an SUV, which I traded in for a much more fuel-efficient car. I also try to walk whenever possible to avoid even using a car.

I downloaded and read Greenpeace's "Green Living Guide," which gave me tons of simple and effective ways to live out my environmental philosophies. For example, I bought a couple of canvas bags to take to the grocery store when I shop. Even though I recycled grocery bags, now I won't even have to use them!

Speaking of recycling, I have re-vamped my recycling program to include almost every type of material I use. The guide's natural recipes for cleaning supplies and even pet flea treatments are awesome, and now I feel that my home is much safer and cleaner because I stopped using toxic products.

I am just getting started in my venture to live a "greener" life. Sometimes it is helpful to take a step back and look honestly at your life to really see where you can make changes to care for the Earth.  The fact that living greener is also healthier for me, too, is a bonus!

Another bonus is that by reflecting on my habits, especially my consumer habits, I am beginning to buy less. I am cultivating a sincere desire to take only what I need...which means less waste and less spending! I am enjoying this new way of life, and I must say that I am hooked. I will surely continue to seek out even more ways to live in a way that is mindful of the bigger picture, ie. the environment, in which I live.

Meg is working to become a cataloging librarian, and is also an environmental and human rights activist.