Your neighbor, your family, your friends, and your partner are not you. Well, duh! Seriously — that is o.k.  You are an amazing creature.

All living and non-living things exist on this planet for better or worse. So, why not make it better. It is important to remind ourselves that we are interconnected and have tremendous power as individuals. You really do have a choice in all the actions you take. It is a matter of changing up a few of your actions along the way to help keep momentum moving in a positive direction. You know, that thing called “free will”.

Complacency is an easy way out and often seen as lazy when faced with the alternative. Being proactive with positive intent is far more rewarding — even if the individual does not realize the beautiful trend that follows. This applies to just about anything. When we give that attention to ecology, think and work smarter with our use of natural resources, or even feeding the hungry —you can literally change the world.

There is an older Public Service Announcement (PSA) commercial from the United States Forest Service with good ole Woodsy the owl. They closed one variation of their message with the phrases:

”Give a hoot, don’t pollute” and “In the city or in the woods, help keep America looking good!”

To this day, Woodsy and Smokey Bear (and other icons) help remind us of how the importance of individual actions. Awareness, education, and action are keys to making this world a better place — for all. Do the right thing…I believe in you!

I said all of that to lead into my surprise when reading the recent poll results conducted at Planet U. Here is the question and the results:

Wowie! Only 17% of folks would actually pick up a can and recycle it. I welcome your comments and I am curious as to what gets in the way of NOT doing that action (i.e., don’t want to carry it around, think others will do it, hello-germs ew!, etc.).

Here is a tip that I do that makes it easier. I fold a piece of paper destined for the recycle bin and put it in my pocket while on walks. When I see a can, or something else recycle worthy, I use the paper as a buffer if it is sticky, dirty, or wet. Then I plop it in the recycle bin. Wait for it…

Ahh what a great feeling!