Value of trees: Trees maintain a balance in our environment and provide us with wood, paper products, and oxygen. Support of sustainable forestry ensures a future for our woodlands.

Endangered species: Protecting animals at risk of extinction works. The golden lion tamarin went from less than 200 to over 1000 through a 30-year community effort at preserving this primate.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Reducing the amount of trash we put into landfills, reusing what we can before throwing it out, and recycling materials such as glass, paper, and plastic makes a huge impact on our environment.

Conserving Energy: Judicious use of energy resources and using alternative energy sources can not only save money, but protect our environment too. Using CFL light bulbs, sealing leaks around windows and doors, and opting for solar power when available are easy ways to help.

Shop wisely: Buying recycled goods is not the only way we can make a difference. Making purchases from businesses which are ecologically-friendly contributes to the community effort of preserving our ecosystem.

Clean up: Every little bit helps. From picking up litter while walking to organizing a community clean-up day, putting trash where it’s meant to be makes our world a cleaner place.

National Parks: Our country has 390 unique land preserves and each one represents a piece of our national heritage. Air pollution and budget cuts are harmful to these treasures, some of which have remained intact for hundreds of years.

Overpopulation: Each person in the world requires something from the environment, from food to air to clothing. By making conscientious consumer choices, we can give back to our Earth.

Water: The Earth is made up of about 75% water and only about 3% of that water can be used for drinking. Maintaining this essential element is important for our survival. Each person can help preserve the limited water supply. Something as simple as turning off the water while brushing your teeth or making smart choices about what to plant in the yard can make a big difference.

Greenhouse gases: Participating in any one of the suggestions from this list can help reduce the accumulation of greenhouse gasses. Deforestation, burning fossil fuels, landfills, and certain types of agriculture all contribute to the creation of excess greenhouse gasses. Since industrialization began, greenhouse gasses have expanded by around 25%. Many feel these extra gasses have contributed to global warming in our environment.