Sometimes we think that we can't contribute to a really big task because our efforts are too small or unimportant. What we say and do, we believe, won't make a difference. Well, no one can deny that when it comes to taking care of our surroundings and the environment, we can all do our part. What can you do? Yes you!

Start small. Think about the little things that you can do that can make a big difference to the world around you. Turn off the lights when you are the last one to leave a room. The energy you save means fewer resources are being used in a manner which harms the environment.

Conserve on the use of water. Try using water as stingily as you do when there is a lock off and you have only one pan or drum of water to serve you until the water lock off ends. Take a shopping bag with you and avoid the use of many plastic bags. Continued activities such as these will result in an environment which is cleaner and more sustainable.

Are you the one who makes the decisions as to what food and clothing to purchase for your family? You can make many decisions which can have a positive impact on our world. You can buy goods and services from businesses which are careful to support the environment in their production process. You can also choose products with less packaging which produce less waste. Planning menus ahead of time and thinking of different ways to use food leftovers is another way of reducing waste and the resources we use up.

Children probably feel that they can contribute the least since they usually have no money and little say in how decisions are made. This is far from the truth, however, as the greatest impact on adult behaviour is usually a child. If you are a child, play your part by keeping around your desk at school clean at all times. Do not litter your school, or throw garbage from the bus window into the street.

There are so many things each of us can do in our small way to help protect our environment. No matter how small an impact you think you may have, do what you can.

Ann Marie Rodriques
PeaceWater Services Send questions or comments to peacewaterservices@yahoo.com