Making a Decision and Sticking to It: A 3-Step Guide to Living in Harmony with Planet Earth

I still remember the day my environmental journey truly began. It was Monday, April 22, 1985—Earth Day. Like any other Monday, I went to school, but art class was different. We brought in white t-shirts from home and screen printed them with green paint in the shape of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle triangle. We learned about composting, and that single day changed my life.

When I got home, I looked up at my 36-year-old dad and asked, “Why do we throw food waste into a landfill?” He blinked at me and said, “I didn’t know we did. What should we do with it?” And that same day, we started researching how to build a compost pile.

That compost pile is still going strong—decades later. The one in my yard? Also thriving. And the one at my sister’s house? You guessed it. All of this because one question, one decision, stuck.

Step 1: Raise Your Awareness

We can’t change what we don’t see. So start by paying attention—really paying attention—to how your daily habits impact the Earth.

It’s hard for me to imagine why people aren’t aware of the environmental consequences of their actions, especially when I learned about these topics in public school as a child. But I also realize that not everything we’re taught sticks with us—and that’s where we need each other.

When I was younger, I used to wonder: should I try to be good at everything or just focus on what comes naturally to me? Now I believe the answer is clear. We each need to get really good at the things that light us up—and then rely on each other for the rest.

Raising your awareness isn’t just about learning facts. It’s about tuning in. Noticing. Asking questions. Making connections.

Step 2: Take Action That Works With Planet Earth

Once you become aware, you can’t un-see. So the next step is to do something about it.

Imagine if your name was written on every piece of plastic you’ve ever used. And then one day, a whale washes ashore with 80 plastic bags in its belly. And among those bags is one with your name on it. Or your child’s. Or mine.

If that happened, we’d all want to change, wouldn’t we?

So here’s the good news: You can change. You can:

• Bring your own reusable grocery and produce bags

• Pack your own containers for takeout or leftovers

• Carry a to-go coffee mug and water bottle everywhere

• Ask the deli to fill your own containers

• Stop and think before you buy or toss anything

  
  

You are predictable. So am I. That’s why I sat down and studied my daily routine. I planned ahead so I could make choices that supported the Earth—not harmed it. And it worked. First my habits changed, then my home, then my mindset.

Step 3: Make an Impact by Influencing Others

The most powerful thing you can do is talk about your eco-actions.

When you bring your own container to a restaurant, thank your server. Let them know you're trying to work with Planet Earth, not against it. Your kindness will be remembered—and maybe even inspire change.

The biggest impact? Start with kids.

Children understand instinctively what many adults forget: that we can’t eat, drink, or breathe money. That our health and survival depend on a thriving planet. When you teach a child to care for the Earth, you’re planting seeds that grow for generations.

Final Thoughts

So here’s the 3-step plan again:

1. Raise your awareness. Learn. Notice. Ask questions.

2. Take action. Make choices that align with your values and the planet’s needs.

3. Influence others. Lead by example. Talk about it. Teach the next generation.

   
   

And if you ever get stuck, confused, or just need a little motivation?

Rely on me. Ask me questions. I’ll get you the answers.We’re in this together—and I promise, it’s a journey worth taking.