trying to do my part

Today is Blog Action Day, as I posted in the video before. I've struggled with what to write since joining on, but made the commitment in order to force myself to come up with something. I don't consider myself a great environmentalist or 'granola' type person by any means, but living in Texas it doesn't take much to sound like a broken 'liberal-tree hugger' record. I attempt to buy recycled, take my reusable shopping bags to the store, recycle and reuse as much as I can.
I haven't researched into all the ways that climate change is really affecting me, but wanting to take care of the earth has just always been a part of me. When I was a child it was my responsibility to crush the coke cans and when the bags got full, mom or dad would take me to the collection place and I'd get my couple dollars. I don't know if we started this tradition as a young lesson in earning money or saving the planet. But, it worked as both. I don't recycle to make money anymore but just to be a better steward of my world.
What I struggle the most with now is buying organic, recycled, etc good for the planet products (I've not yet figured out how to go cold-turkey on consuming, though I've made cut backs) because they're often more expensive. As I've entered the stage of living paycheck to paycheck and even to credit card when the banks are empty it is hard to buy in a climate conscious manner. I was pleased just yesterday to find a package of four 100% recycled material AC filters for 2.98 when just 1 filter ran up to 4.98.
So, my blog action post today is not filled with any great scientific knowledge or leads on good products or great call to action. It is simply the average 20-something, living in partnership, trying to make it in the world and do my little part at the same time. So, I challenge you to take the extra moment to put the can, cardboard, empty cereal box in the recycling container. Take the extra moment to compare the product you're buying with environmentally friendly equivalents. Take the step to spend a little more now that will save you in the long run, like a better light bulb, when your air conditioner breaks or the fridge stops cooling-replace your appliances with EnergyStar and the like. Buy the 4 pack of 100% recycled AC filter. There are so many better options out there today..easy to find..the packaging is usually GREEN. Buy a whole pineapple instead of a pre-cut pineapple to avoid consumption and trash from the plastic container. Say NO to Plastic or Paper and bring your own reusable bags. If we each make some simple changes on our own, we'll make a global difference together.