As individuals, we can take these 15 simple steps to decrease our personal carbon footprints:

1.  Set thermostats lower in the winter and higher in the summer.
2.  Eat locally grown organic produce whenever possible.
3.  Conserve water by traps, cisterns, and low flow faucets and toilets.
4.  Use efficient light bulbs and appliances.
5.  Live simply and without needless extras, decrease "fad" purchases and buy long lasting items.
6.  Recycle whenever possible.
7.  Avoid buying "consumer traps" (like individually bottled water).
8.  Avoid using cleaners, air fresheners, lotions, etc. based on artificial or petroleum chemicals.

9.  Use organic and natural products whenever possible.

Studies show that organic producers are more likely to be "green" in their growing and processing methods and in how they distribute products. ("Organic" can be used very loosely, so it never hurts to check further).

10.  Use the clothes line instead of the dryer whenever possible

11.  Drive fuel efficient cars

12.  Grow some of your own produce in a small garden

13.  Support sustainable land and resource legislation and practices; solar hot water is a good example.

14.  Support local farms, diaries, and manufactures (farmers markets are a wonderful example of this)

15.  Share your  successes and failures to decrease your carbon footprint with your friends and neighbors - keep us all gently reminded that this is our world and we want  to use it well and keep it going for our children and their children.

   Respect for all life is a basic tenant of Buddhism.  By taking simple steps we can preserve our earth. 

May we all practice mindful living.