Nine Principles of Being Green

1. REDUCE: Keep current with ways to eliminate. Education is the key to providing insight into what you can do without.
2. REUSE: Become action oriented. Make a list of things in your home or business that you could do without. Then donate or give to someone that can use the items. Then look for ways to avoid purchasing these items unless absolutely necessary.
3. RECYCLE: This goes for everything you handle. Even if you are out, take the item to be recycled.
4. Spread the word...Make it a point to inform the stores where you shop to try and reduce packaging. Not an easy task, however it will keep the issue in your thoughts every time you reach for an item that has packaging, ask the store for bulk foods.
   Sustainable Table
   
5. STOP using plastic water bottles.
   
6. Be aware of "GREENWASHING". These types of messages mostly come from corporations that have very large media budgets to hop on the trends of when and where people pay attention. Most are not any more environmentally conscious then they were before "The Green Movement" grabbed the media's attention. Corporate Hall of Shame
   
7. Support local farmers. Look for locally produced items that have a real connection to the community.
   
8. Carbon Footprint alert: What is your consumption level?
   Carbon Footprint Calculator http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.html
   The CO2 calculator http://www.gdrc.org/uem/co2-cal/co2-calculator.html
   Online Conversion This converts most units of measure. http://www.onlineconversion.com/
   
9. Your Place, Your Responsibility: No one is going to do this for you. Being green takes a commitment from everyone, but it starts with each individual.
   Case in Point: Carbon offsets are a way for those that have more, but are not willing to sacrifice their lifestyle. Some would rather pay for credits toward being sustainable instead of taking steps to conserve. Consumerism by the rich with only a monetary sacrifice of carbon offsets is not a solution. This is the responsibility of all, especially for those in the "1st world" countries.
   Make this a day to find out exactly what you are consuming, and what your carbon foot reveals.