You may, like us, care about the environment and the well being of the planet, but often find it to be difficult to "live green," the response is always, that's great but what can I do? Don't despair... you can change the world by your actions, no matter how small.

Whoa, now that seems awfully optimistic. Well, if you like, please continue reading my explanation of my green optimism... but, you can skip my explanation and get right to the assignment by following the link below for a very helpful, non-preachy article with suggestions and tips for what you can actually do.

Read it. No really. Bookmark it or print it for later, or screw the work you should be doing and read it now, but please read it... and pass it on.

Article: Natural Capitalism, Inc. - But, What Can I Do? (pdf file)

Link: Natural Capitalism Solutions - Recommended Resources
Link: Rocky Mountain Institute
Book: Natural Capitalism - Creating the Next Industrial Revolution

I did my undergraduate work at Pitzer College, a small liberal arts school founded in 1963 with the mandate of it's first president to "change the universe." A powerful proclamation for a small college which 40 years later enrolls less than 900 students, and yet Pitzer has graduated many well known and/or powerful individuals who are making a difference, including the current Speaker of the California State Assembly Fabian Nunez, the late NBC correspondent David Bloom who died in Iraq, hot tamale chef Susan Feniger... the list goes on and on, and I won't bore you with any more cheerleading...

Except to add to that list L. Hunter Lovins who was named by Time Magazine the "Hero of the Planet" in 2000.

Hunter co-founded Rocky Mountain Institute with Amory Lovins, in 1982 and recently founded Natural Capitalism Solutions (a non-profit organization) and Natural Capitalism, Inc. Her accomplishments and awards are many, including her roles as a delegate for the World Summit on Sustainable Development and as a commissioner in the State of the World Forum's Commission on Globalization. Please read her full bio here.

I had the opportunity to hear Hunter speak last weekend at Pitzer, and was incredibly impressed. The experience left me feeling motivated and empowered. The links above provide a wealth of resources and ideas... real ways that you can implement sustainable and green practices into your life. Like the article says, do what works for your circumstances.

What I really love about the article is that it provides not only lots of ideas, but also numerous links to green companies; everything from food, clothing and travel to furniture and home improvement as well as investment opportunities.