In Your Neighborhood

Everyone can make a difference. Whether it is recycling or cutting showers short, everyone has the power to help put an end to global warming. So what are you waiting for? Here are some ways you can help our planet.

Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. By using three CFBs, you will save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide and $60 a year.

Fill the Dishwasher

You don’t have to run your dishwasher every time you eat. By filling it completely, you can save $40 and 100 lbs. of CO2 emission a year.

Write to your state officials.

Write to your representative and ask him/her to ban animal racing. If you live in a state that has greyhound racetracks, tell your state representatives to ban dog racing.

Ask your representatives to co-sponsor the Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act

Adding to your list of non-lame things to do at a nursing home, try filming a video lip-dub. They get seniors out of their daily oatmeal-sleep-more-oatmeal-more-sleep routine. Plus, they friggin hilarious.

A rain garden refers to a planted area that receives water runoff from urban areas like parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc. The water from the area goes into the ground and feeds the plants as opposed to flooding storm drains.

Start a rain garden to encourage water conservation and sustainability in your community space.

A simple way to help reduce energy consumption is to carpool places. As long as everyone is committed to the following points, your social-ride will be successful.

Sometimes people won't recycle because they simply don't see the bin or they don't know what goes in it. Encourage proper recycling by painting bins to make the process easier.

People like to chow down at the mall or in the park, and that waste usually gets trashed incorrectly. Start a recycling program at a popular hangout in the following ways:

Contact the Central Office

• Commercial areas like malls have a central office that a security officer can direct you to. Parks and other government spaces are run out of city hall. Call these places and let them know you and friends are volunteering to set up their recycling program.

A fatal traffic accident is the 10th most common type of death in the world. Improve ever driver's safety—lead a cleanout where your classmates or friends eliminate potential distractions from their cars.

Grab the Trashbags

Have everyone throw out old papers and snack foods that would keep their hands from the wheel.

Make Space in the Backseat

Electronics are the biggest distraction to drivers, so make a spaces in the backseats where drivers can safely store (and maybe even lock up):

Cancer is an ever-growing problem that needs as much support as possible to further research. Why not use your talents and raise funds in a creative way?

Veterans and service members have done a lot for us and our country. Repay them back by hosting a potluck. Here are six simple steps you can follow to help honor the troops: