I was asked this question recently and although the answers we may give have always been important, they are now critical.

Do whatever we can to protect our planet. Each small action adds up to a significant contribution if everyone does it. Do an audit of your home, business or workplace, and your life and see what changes you can make to conserve water, energy and waste. The smallest change can add up to significant savings over a year or more. Being environmentally aware isn’t just a nice thing to do anymore – it’s an absolute necessity.
There are many ways to contribute but here are just a few to get you started:

* Change appliances to energy-saving ones or go back to the good old-fashioned way of doing things by hand. Hang clothes on the line instead of using the dryer (your clothes will last longer too).

* Wash clothes in cold water and use an environmentally friendly laundry liquid.

* Network on the go by picking up a colleague or two on the way to work rather than everyone driving their own car.

* Plant some native trees and drought hardy plants, and create an environment for native animals in your garden. If you don’t have a garden, consider giving a gift of a tree to a friend who does.

* Don’t drive to the shops – do yourself and the planet a favour and get some exercise! Try to leave the car at home one day per week.

Perhaps most imprtantly, the other thing we can do to create a better tomorrow is to be nice to each other. There is too much aggression in our society today. I so often see people being rude to the people they come across in their daily dealings and it really isn’t necessary. [[Say thank you with a wave when driving if someone lets you go in front of them]], say hello to the bus driver or shop assistant and ask them how they are. And perhaps most importantly – smile!