Thoughts on how we can't always influence larger issues around the world, but we can take responsibility for our own lifestyle habits.
It's easy to become frustrated at the lack of resolve we so often see among politicians and agencies dealing with environmental issues. There's so much they could do to improve the Earth for everyone, but so little they often seem to accomplish.
Feeling like that, though, can become a road to disheartenment and helplessness. That doesn't help anyone -- yourself included -- or anything.
So the next time you find yourself frustrated about yet another roadblock set up by a developed nation in the fight against global warming, or yet another vote for a polluting industry over environmental protection, take a deep breath and acknowledge you can't change everything. Then realize that, at least, you can always be a "green army of one."
That means working every day to make the best environmental choices you can. To reduce your consumption of fossil fuels, plastics, chemicals and junk. To reduce the amount of waste you produce. To make a difference -- however small -- for your own world. Because feeling like you can make a difference is always better than feeling powerless and frustrated.
