The recent oil spill has brought about so much concern for our environment that it makes me wonder why does it take something so big for people to really take the time to care?  Or do they really?  Every day our environment is blasted one way or another.  It may be small things like that plastic water bottle you just drank out of or something big like the oil spill.  The question is...why does it take a major catastrophe to bring people's thinking around?

Here are a few things to ask yourself...

1. Could you do without oil?

2. Could you provide for yourself if you needed to?

3. How does your life effect the environment?

4. Do you give back to the environment?

I know this may sound like I'm a complete "tree hugger" but I'm not.  I still drive my car to work every day. I still buy some of my food from the grocery store.  I still use tons of gadgets that run on batteries and electricity.  But what I do do is be aware that these things do make an impact on the world around me.

I do try to make some difference though.  I garden as much as I can, I make my own breads and cheeses, I barter with my neighbors for food and other items that I may need, I build many of my needed furniture, and I even brew my own beer.  Many of these things started as mere hobbies I admit but I've found that the gas I save running to the store, the joy in seeing my own handiwork, the goodness of eating local food and most importantly the sense of community with my neighbors is amazing and great for the environment.