Many people are discouraged by the enormity of the task ahead of us. Our culture is one of capitalism and consumerism and leaves little room for conservation and consciousness. In a society where essential items are made as cheaply as possible to encourage you to buy more, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to start making changes in your own life. You have a family that requires your constant attention and care. You have an inflexible job that demands your time. Your money is tight and certain, healthy, earth friendly products cost more than others. When you do get home at night, you just want to relax and not have to worry about the big world outside your door. These obstacles that confront us in our minds are unending and it is so easy to never even start making the necessary changes in your world. "Besides" you say to yourself, "How much of a difference can one person really make when the world is so f***ed-up?".

This was the biggest hurdle for me to overcome in my life. How much change could I really make? Why even bother to try?

The truth is that you can really make a huge difference if you simply start trying. Change doesn't have to be extravagent or on a huge scale in order for it to gain momentum and sweep across the world. Start locally. Start simply. Start in your backyard.

I have always believed in the power of an individuals circles of influence. In my mind, the most effective way to spread change is by reaching out and touching those who are closest to you. By setting a solid example for the people you come into contact with every day, you are doing more for the world than you can imagine. The friends and family that you influence today, will in turn influence and affect even more people in their lives. There is no end to how far a loving, personal and compassionate example can go. It seems simple and it is; but what better way to encourage real change than by becoming the living, shining embodiement of your goals for all those you love?

Even with my mantra firmly in place in my heart and mind; I struggled to find ways in which to make the changes and forward progress that I knew I could. Its one thing to know you should be doing something, but it is another all together to get started! Slowly, I began examining my life and looking for ways in which I could make a very real, yet practical difference. Sure, I would love to get off the grid and to construct an earth-friendly home made from renewable resources with enviornmentaly sound practices. I would love to erect a miniture windfarm in my yard. I would love to make broad sweeping changes. across my entire life. These are long term goals that will take commitment and financial support. Not everyone has that kind of motivation and or the means to make those kinds of changes. I know I don't at this point...

So... What can you do to really make a difference?

I began to search out information on ways I could leave a lighter footprint on Earth. I became more conscious of my energy consumption and altered habits in order to reduce my usage. I began purchasing primarly organic products and I started watching out for simple things like avoiding excessive packaging and utilizing reusable shopping bags. http://www.greenbag.info/

I started composting all that I could, and feeding the local wild animals with any remaining non-compositable material. By doing this I have reduced my garbage to less than a bag every 2 weeks!

I also got rid of my lawnmower and purchased a (surprisingly affordable) Reel mower. http://www.cleanairgardening.com/reelmowers.html  This not only runs solely on my power, but its a great workout too!

I even reduced how often I cut my lawn. While this is no doubt directly related to the fact that lawnmowing now requires more effort, it  still makes a big difference!! I am lucky that, where I live, the moss tends to step in wherever the grass fails. That being understood, I have begun encouraging moss growth everywhere! It never requires cutting, is super soft and stays green all winter! How perfect does that sound?!

Staying outside, I also made a few changes to my gardening habits. This year served as a test run for my new, tough-love gardening style. No longer do I coddle my plants with nightly watering. If it can't survive on the natural rainfall and collected water, it no longer belongs in my garden. That being said, I did not lose a single plant by eliminating my suplimental watering. I am sure this will not be the case every year, but I am certainly learning which plants do the best in my southern Wisconsin climate! Gardening with native plants is always a good idea as they are completely suited to the enviornment in which you live! They will require little, if any additional watering and you are doing your native ecosystem a ton of good by supporting the local plants and animals.

Recently, I even switched my power source from the local energy company to 100% renewable and local resources. It will cost approximately $10.00 more a month, but the impact is huge and so far reaching!

The next time you go for a walk in the woods or at the beach bring along a reusable bag to fill with trash and recycling. Think of the impact you could have if you did this every time you went out. Think of the example you would set for those who share your favorite spots. Think of how a simple thing like that could alter the world around you in such a positive way!

Implementing change takes a little effort and it takes some time to make new habits. It takes perserverance and dedication. I often would forget my Greenbags at home when I went shopping, but I soon learned to keep them in my trunk where I would always have them!!

Change does not happen overnight, and it can be difficult to make lasting change in your life. Start with the small things that you have control over. Examine the world you live in and see where you can make a difference. Your efforts don't have to be global for them to make a global impact. Just think how many people will see the example you set and will make changes in their own lives!

You only need to start.