One of the best way to help the environment is to minimize the production of new non-biodegradable stuff. The next best way is to reuse them so it will not be thrown away that soon.

For example, fitness equipment need not be new to start with. But you can get them looking like new. You paid less and the environment benefits as well.

So, before buying anything new, check out to see if you can buy almost the same stuff 2nd or even 3rd hand. It’s cheaper and more environment-friendly.

We have only one earth to live in. Until the new earth comes, we’re stuck with this old earth. What are we doing to preserve it? Below are several suggestions:

- recycle: we all know this but are we doing it? separate the bio-degradable from the non-biodegradable; reuse items to make crafts or give them away to people who may need them; lessen the use of plastic bags or don’t use them at all, etc.

- save water: even if you have all the money to pay for the water you consume, constant waste is just that–waste. You rob the earth of continuous supply if everyone wastes water. Why not use rain barrels instead so when heavy downpour comes, you have collected extra water that will save you money for your bill too?

- walk: if it’s walkable, by all means, walk instead of driving your own car. It’s good for the health and you are less a pollutant to the air around you. If at all possible, if you have to go to a far place, ride with someone else. Carpooling is a great way to save on gas, lessen the air pollution and ultimately save on money.

All these examples are eco-friendly. What else can you add? There are lots more, for sure.

If you search Google for plastic water bottles, the very first hit is about plastic bottles piling up as trash. Some recyclers can turn them into a raft-like water vessel, and others sell them to junk shops to melt them and turn them into water bottles again.

Did you know that it takes too much water just to make a bottle? If you realize it, it’s a waste of natural resources just to make something that can actually be avoided.

Why not buy your own personalized water bottles so you will not be part of the statistics that contribute to the destruction of Mother Earth? It takes less water to wash it for reuse.

I recall the first time I assembled an AM radio back in 1985. It was exciting because I got to understand the schematic diagram and design my own plastic circuit board (PCB). As long as it meets the demands of the schematic diagram and parts do not criss-cross, then you’re ok.

After board is etched and the parts soldered, you still need batteries to make the radio work.

Maybe it’s time to have one of those wind up radios that gives you 35 minutes of power for every 30 seconds of winding. Save on electricity and be eco-friendly.