What are YOU doing?

The issues of global warming and energy consumption have become one of our biggest concerns, and rightly so. With out planet's population continuing to increase, and the quality of life for millions in the developing world improving (okay, millions are slipping backwards as well), the demand for energy is growing. America and China are the biggest consumers of oil, and out habits, out way of life needs to change. We need to take responsibility for how our lifestyles are impacting those around the world. Yet despite our unabaiting consumption, I believe, as an eternal optimist, that the brilliant minds and ingenuity of humanity can overcome such monumental issues, or at least learn to adapt to our changing world. The human spirit has an amazing ability to flourish in the face of adversity, an inspiring ability to take on any issue. Through hard work, ingenuity, drive, courage, and immense commitment, we will find a solution. But this doesn't mean that while a select few are hard at work searching for answers, the masses sit back and wait--we each need to do our part, to contribute to slowing the demise of our natural resources and our only true asset. What is your contribution, how are you making a difference? As for me, I've stopped eating meat. The mass degregation that farms create on natural landscapes is horrific--millions of once fertile acres have been turned into dusty deserts, forests are clear cut to make room for the beef, pork, and chicken farms that feed the overly meat heavy American diet. This is, in part, what I've chosen to do, this is my commitment to our planet. What's yours? Maybe its using your own two feet a little more, choosing to walk, bike, skate, run, instead of jumping in your car. Maybe its reusing your shopping bags, recycling those plastic bags that are dolled out with hopeless abandon. Maybe its buying organic foods, or purchasing only free-range meat products from small farmers, or ridding your refrigerator and freezers of Foster Farms, Harris Ranch and whatever the pork equivalent is. It may cost more to support our local, independent farmers today, but what's the cost going to be to subsequent generations? Do a little research and make informed decisions. Think about the 6 billion other people that we share this planet with, how can you make a slightly less impactful footprint on our earth?