I am not perfect. Neither are you - nor are any of us. Depending on your religious persuasion, there was only ever one perfect person upon this good place we call Earth. I guess that's why they call it "God's Green Earth."

So, with the premise that none of us are perfect, what do we do about it? Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” I would like to offer this suggestion: Strive to improve.

Some comments have been made about my habits – some of these habits may not be the green-friendliest. Yes, I have St. Augustine grass in one portion of my yard. And yes, I have an SUV (the Big Denali is borrowed/temporary), but I do drive a 6-cylinder mid-sizer. (Thanks to my good buddy Greg the Builder for pointing these things out.)

So, I would like to make the point that it is not all about where you are on the long, winding road toward good living, but in what direction you are traveling.

I am planting the largest portion of my yard in only drought–resistant grass and plants – called “xeriscaping” – landscaping with slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and establish a waste-efficient landscape. See UF’s Living Green site for great information about this.

I also try to turn off the faucet when I brush my teeth. I changed my incandescent light bulbs to CFL. I close the door when the A/C is on. I drive less often. Do these things make me perfect? Heck no. But as I continue to awaken to the facts about our environment, I modify my behavior. It’s seems like a no-brainer.

However, I still love fast cars. I still water my lawn. I still operate like a normal human being – except I am gradually applying the lessons I learn. You see, humans are blessed with the ability to learn and act accordingly. Unless something else is there getting in the way – usually the prospect of money and/or power, or some windbag AM radio svengali telling them what to think – people are generally able to think, “it’s no problem to turn off the faucet while brushing my teeth.” Then, lo and behold, you are making a positive impact on your world. It is so simple.

Being a good steward of the environment is not an all-or-none proposition. It is a smart, conscientious thing to do that benefits everyone in your community. But to be “Green,” do you have to abandon normalcy and become a clownish stereotyped tree hugger? No indeed – be yourself, just better. Don’t worry about being perfect. Instead, do what leaders around the planet do every day: improve.