As I reflected on my last blog about global warming, I decided that because the issue is so vital, I need to reinforce it today. But where to begin? I am led to a problem that has definitely hampered the implementation of the green movement: It’s difficult to make a difference when you don’t understand or feel personally connected to the issue.

Of course we all know the buzz words associated with global warming: gas emissions, toxic waste, recycling and so on. We also know that we need to respond to the growing crisis of the earth’s depleting natural resources that we rely on so heavily to sustain us in our increasingly complicated lives. But both are big concepts, and we sometimes fail to personally connect. There are innumerable articles and blogs (including my own) that address learning how to conserve, improving the environment, and going green. We offer examples and advice for do-it-yourselfers and even recommend businesses that specialize in helping us live a greener life, practically doing it for us! So let’s not allow ourselves to become too far removed from the issues, problems and consequences, and let’s start by really appreciating the very beautiful world that we are trying to save! Day in and day out, as we travel the fast-paced consumer lane of life, we feel immune to natural disasters that hit, twirl and shake the world, always “there” and never “here.”

Change—real change—takes place because we believe so deeply in something that we acknowledge the threat that, unless we act, it will likely go away. Until the pain of not changing pushes us, we won’t change.

So here’s an idea for the Memorial Day weekend that commemorates the many who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve the freedoms of our beautiful country: Why don't we dust off our old camping gear, campfire grills, hammocks and pocket knives, and reconnect with our beautiful green earth? If you’ve never camped or haven’t in years, now’s the time to start. There's no need to travel far—just get out there and enjoy! Who knows? Experiencing the overwhelming awe of morning dew or a starry night, or even witnessing the last sunburst before a multicolored sunset, could spark a new personal commitment to preservation and conservation.

I assure you that once you expose yourself to camping and the great outdoors, all that is going on in this world will matter more to you. Then going green won’t be only for "those greenies from the '70s," but will include you, me and everyone around us!

So I offer a heartfelt thank-you to all of you who have served (and of course those of you who are currently serving) our country. Let’s do our part in preserving the land that has so courageously been protected for us. Happy Holiday!

I am through buying conventional wrapping paper. I can't believe I just said that, but it's true! I'm turning over a new leaf effective immediately.

I have recycled brown paper shopping bags and wrapping paper from gifts received that I always reuse, so I am set. I know I can do it because this past Christmas, my daughter, Toby, and I wrapped all of our gifts by reusing the tissue, boxes and ribbons from previous holidays and no one seemed to care. In fact, everyone liked the idea when I told them what I had done!

Toby and I have quite the system going: She lets me do the sometimes complicated task of wrapping the gift (brown paper can be stiff), then she gets to doodle her creation on the package, and voila! Her efforts always make the present even more special and unique to the recipient.

This is a worthwhile change that is an easy commitment for most people. Your gifts will have a personalized look, and before long, you'll have your friends doing it too! I have found that as long as I have a good attitude about the whole conservation movement, those around me do too. Many of my friends and colleagues have really responded to my eco habits and have made changes in their lives accordingly. Now talk about grass roots!

Knowing that my new resolution will positively impact the environment impresses my daughter and makes me proud. Join me; this one’s easy!

Be it reusing tea bags or cutting a bottle of dishwashing liquid with water to turn it into four bottles' worth, I really feel like I am doing my small part in conserving what comes into our home. I drink tea every night as a way to wind down my day, and I have reduced the number of boxes of tea I purchase by doing the double dunk. Grocery store plastic bags double not only as mini garbage-can liners, but also as refrigerator clean-out depositories and portable laundry/swimsuit bags during weekend trips. Oh yes, one of my most wonderful "making it last" efforts are with the plastic bags around my morning newspapers.  I use them for my car garbage and therefore never have to feel guilty when I throw them out.