I think it means such different things for different people. I have smaller everyday goals, such as reducing waist and not using harsh chemicals, but my big goal is to be totally off the grid. That one itself is really overwhelming to me. I hardly know where to start with my research and for us cost does matter. It seems that the start up cost on much of this is enormous. Maybe if some of us have the same goals, we could share some of our research.

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The mighty oak started out as a nut that held its ground.

Currently, we are trying to live more conscientiously and make small changes (re-usable grocery bags, energy efficient light bulbs, programmable thermostat, time-of-use plan, recycling everything we can, using environmentally-friendly cleaning products, buying less "stuff", using healthier personal care products - fluoride-free toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner without all the chemicals, natural soaps etc... - and buying organic. We have now extended our goals to include buying locally grown produce (not JUST organic, but local organic) and have researched the various farmers markets in our area.

In the long-term, we will be down-sizing our house when we move. We plan to buy a house that we can add our own "green" touches to.... perhaps bamboo or cork flooring, no voc paint, solar panels if possible, outdoor solar lighting, low-maintenance property etc... We are also going to drive our current vehicle until it bites the dust. One thing I'm not sure we'll ever accomplish is living so close to dh's work that he can bike back and forth. That would be ideal, but is not likely for us. We also like to support companies who have values and ideals that match our own. Along those lines, we have recently started contributing (monthly) to FINCA... a program for women in impoverished countries. For the holidays we are considering a contribution to Heifer International. You can buy a goat for a poor family (they don't eat the goat... they use it for milk and can sell any excess for additional income) or other animals such as chickens or a cow, etc... It helps impoverished families become self-reliant and the goal is to break the cycle of poverty. It seems like a much more important idea than buying more plastic toys to fill our playroom with at Christmas time!

I make an effort, throughout the day, to actively think about my choices, applaud my meager efforts, then think about changes I can make going forward. Most of my friends think I worry too much, think too much, read too much and need to just "relax and eat a Bic Mac". For me, now that I know what I know, I can't go back to how I once lived. I can only go forward, making small changes that will hopefully lead to larger changes once we can move and sell this house ((waiting for the housing market to gain momentum... it could be awhile!)

Oh, another green goal is to gain a certain level of independence - we want a large garden, lots of fruit and nut trees, so we aren't as bound to the grocery stores. Also, we save about 50% of our income so dh can retire early ((that's the plan, anyway!))

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"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

Right, now we are using energy efficient light bulbs, turning off the computer after each use, recycling everything that our local recycling center will take-paper, corrugated cardboard, 1 and 2 plastics, glass. I know its a small start, but I'm new to this. (And I am trying to ease into using natural cleaners and personal products as I use up the old stuff and the budget permits. I am also trying to convince dh to let me get aerators (I believe that that is what they are called) for the faucets and shower heads.

My mom is from Norway. They do things a little different. At the grocery store almost everyone brings bags, because they charge for new ones. They separate garbage (organic, cardboard, plastic, tin, glass) and clean garbage, like milk cartons, empty cans etc. Waste may be sent for recovery, composted, incinerated with energy recovery or used as landfill. It is not an option it is the law, but it works and it's just the way it is and no one seems to mind. (they don't have large stinky landfills like the US) Norway has the harshest environmental laws in the world!

I use energy and water efficient washer/dryer, energy efficient bulbs and some day, I hope that my husband and I could also live off the grid between wind turbines and solar power.

We just moved last May and are still adjusting, but I did manage to have a small garden this year, which yielded well with little effort. I planted my garden in plots in the front yard. Gardens can be beautiful, and don't have to be square. I incorporate flowers and herbs into my garden to make them lovely. My neighbor and I did a fair amount of canning also, which helps cut cost and save garbage (no more cans). My next big project is getting my compost bin going.

Treehugger -- I'm not ignoring this question ... I'm still thinking about it!

I just want to leave a lighter footprint so to speak and to teach my children respect for the environment and Mother Nature. I feel the need to reconnect with the earth. I would love to live off the grid and pwn a farm- infortunately hubby is soooooooooo not interested and that is one thing that you really need the both of you on board to work towards.

I have made a lot of changes that I feel good about. I like to know that I am capable and responsible in my personal choices. I look to myself and my loved ones first and not expect others to improve my life.

Now my goal is to extend that personal responsibility ideal to those closest to me. My neighbors, family, town. If I must look outside myself, let me lean on my community. So I offer what I can in terms of business and pleasure and feel the support retuned to me.

Systems and services farther away from me can't know what is best for me and mine.

Keep it local.

My current number one goal is to get better about recycling. We don't have curb side recycling in my county and it is something that I will have to haul off. But all I need to do is buy some trashcans and set them up in the garage. I just haven't done it yet.

I'm in the process of changing out all of our lightbulbs and appliances to energy saving. So far I have about 1/3 of our lights changed and then my dishwasher and washer and dryer. That leaves our water heater, frig, and furnance.

And I want to rely more on our garden and yard. Next year we're doubling the garden and adding blueberries and a pear tree. I also want chickens for eggs and for composting!

Long term -- I don't see us ever completely being off the grid, so to speak. But we are planning on doing a remodel in our house and I want all the windows switched and I want a second source of heat put in our basement. I know it is the North Idaho in me but I really want another source of heat.

I also want my children to know how to garden and can their food. I truely believe it is important from them to know where their food comes from and how to preserve it as well. Again, it probably is the North Idaho coming out in me!

We did this pretty reasonably. We have an oil furness, but when the power goes out, that's it. I bought a propane fire place from ebay for $399 (no shipping!) It is awesome and saved our behinds during several power outages.

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The mighty oak started out as a nut that held its ground.