Treat the earth with love, respect, and appreciation. To show your gratitude, simply express your heartfelt thoughts. Let your kind intentions contribute to Mother Nature's glory and spirit. And if you happen to find yourself so inclined, go ahead and hug that tree.

Keeping the planet green need never feel dull or forced--just have fun with it! Enjoy the fresh air and exercise as you walk to work, make new friends at a clothing swap, spend a leisurely day at the farmers' market, or treat your family to a day at the beach. Embrace a green way of life and enjoy a whole new world.

Talking about environmental issues with your family and friends is a great way to teach others, learn from them, and express your concerns. If you can, though, take it a step further: Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, start a blog that offers tips on green living, vote for environmental improvements, or volunteer to educate the public about climate change.

Before each purchase, ask yourself if you really need all those items in your cart. Can you eat all that food before it goes bad? Sure that fondue set would be great, but will you use it? Are those shiny new temptations necessary or might they just end up forgotten and unused in the miscellaneous drawer? A second thought can simplify your life and help reduce consumption.

Help conserve the earth's precious resources by making simple changes at home. Light your rooms with compact fluorescent bulbs; run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer only when full; bundle up in the winter and shed layers in the summer; and keep your appliances unplugged when not in use.

Take some time to make the connection between your daily actions and their effects on the environment. It's empowering to know that every time you toss a plastic bottle into a recycling bin instead of a trash can, you are contributing to a sustainable process instead of a heaping landfill. Small deeds add up; be part of the solution by making conscious decisions.

When is the last time you felt wet grass under your feet, the warm sun on your face, or a cool breeze in your hair? When is the last time you stood in nature simply to marvel at its beauty? Connecting to the land, sea, and sky is one of the miracles of life. Show the planet you care by enjoying the wonder and peace of nature.