it starts with you and me

You've heard it a million times: Saving the environment starts with you and me. We looked at that statement more closely and found another not-so-hidden meaning. You might say we had a "lightbulb moment." (A compact fluorescent lightbulb moment, of course.)

"Starting with you and me" doesn't just mean that every little bit of reducing, reusing, and recycling helps. It also means that, as Earth-friendly folk, we need to be more conscious of how we treat one of the planet's most precious resources ... its HUMAN resources. You. Me. Everybody.

Think about it.

The way we treat each other has a huge impact on the quality of life on this planet. It also has a direct relationship to how we treat the environment.

Check it out:

Driving aggressively is not only dangerous, annoying, mean, and kind of stupid -- it also burns more fuel, increases the wear and tear on your vehicle, and ups the likelihood of having to buy new parts or a whole new car. Talk about waste.

Taking more than you need -- whether it's water for your shower or napkins at the takeout stand -- is not only totally unnecessary but also leaves less for others.

Dumping trash may be an unconscious act, but the people around you sure are conscious of that empty soda can you just tossed to the curb. It goes without saying that a trashy street, park, beach, ocean, or whatever is a total bummer and affects everyone around it. What's more, improperly tossed trash isn't doing the planet any favors. Nuff said.

Maybe the biggest and best reason we can see for being kind to each other is that it makes Earth a nicer, calmer, happier, and easier place to live.

Wow. We feel greener already.

Got any other ideas for helping the planet's human resources?

Photo courtesy of Retna. (photographer: Dan Howell)