We’ve all heard that we should protect the environment, and most of us have a pretty good understanding of why. Unfortunately, our careless ways have contributed to global warming and climate changes that are causing harm to our planet and its inhabitants.

What many of us don’t know, however, is just how we can protect the environment. There is more to protecting our environment than switching light bulbs and turning off water, though these are perfect examples of small things that we can do. Here are five ways, by category, that we can all have a positive impact on the environment:

Electricity

Our dependence on electricity grows daily, and so does the pollution caused by that production. There are several ways that you can reduce your energy consumption:

• Turn it off: even though you turn off your computer, television, stereo or DVD player, they are still drawing small amounts of energy if they are plugged in. Turning off your electrical appliances is not enough; unplug them when not in use.
• Go dark: turning off the lights as you leave a room is a great way to conserve electricity. You’ll be surprised at the difference in your electric bill.
• Solar power: there are affordable options for charging your iPods, mobile phones and other small, electronic devices with solar energy; look into your choices.
  
  

Water

Countries around the world are finding it necessary to import fresh, clean water for everyday use because of their rampant misuse of the element in the past. Conserve water by:

• Collecting rain water: put a collection source in your garden and use the water you’ve collected to water your plants.
• Turn it off: get in the habit of turning off the water as you brush your teeth, soap your body or wash your dishes. Leaving the water running when you aren’t using it wastes hundreds of gallons a year.
• Put a bottle in the tank: fill a liter bottle and set it in the back of your toilet tank. This takes up space and reduces the amount of water it takes to fill the tank after you flush.
  
  

Food

Most people don’t consider food when they think of ways to save the environment. Think about it for a second: how does that food end up on your store shelves and where does it come from? Food is often transported over long distances before it ever hits your plate. Reduce pollution by:

• Buying local: locally grown produce is not only fresher, but it doesn’t have to ride on a ship, plane or truck to reach your dinner table.
• Eat organic: organic foods contain no pesticides or herbicides thereby reducing soil and water pollution from run-off.
• Compost: composting is not only a great way to get rid of leftovers but compost is the perfect alternative to harmful fertilizers in your garden.
  
  

Saving the planet is a task that must be undertaken by each individual if we hope to be successful. No one wants to think of a world where water isn’t available in the tap, people have to wear masks to safely breathe the outside air or where the animals we are so familiar with no longer exist. By taking small steps, in your own home and yard, you will play an important part in preserving the planet as we know it.

Connie Prescott is a conservation writer who works with NRDC and other organizations to protect our health and environment. Connie feels that company owners should become more aware of the huge positive impact that protecting the environment can have, both on their net bottom line and on the earth's healthy future.

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