During this past winter, it was so cold one day then much warmer the next. Flu season came and enveloped me and others. I have been learning about different kinds of home remedies to try and combat these symptoms. I have also made changes in my lifestyle.

With a change of lifestyle comes a whole new way of thinking. This introduces me to new and exciting ideas to give back to the environment. Now, I am a recycling kind of gal.

So far, I do my daily collecting of bottles and papers. It’s a long journey on this trail of recycling. But in the long run it should do good not only for the environment but for one’s self awareness on helping out in one fashion or another.

It just takes just one step at a time and one day at a time to make a difference, even if it is a small one. When I was a young child, I would never dream of buying water from a convenience store or to be recycling used paper and cans.

I have also tried new products that are supposed to be organically made with less perfumes or harsh chemicals. Ever since I had pneumonia, my sense of smell has been heightened. I cannot tolerate too many scents of perfumes or hairsprays.

My intake of processed food is also slowly becoming minimal but it’s not easy. I have tried eating more fruits and vegetables.

One of my neighbours grows such a wonderful garden full of vegetables every year. I sure wish I will one day learn to do so as well.

My motto is, “do unto others as you want done unto you,” so with that said, it is good to step out in faith and give back to the environment and to help others. Nowadays with all the changes happening in the world environmentally speaking, it’s good to go green.

_Clara lives in McCauley with her family. She is a Community Animator with Action for Healthy Communities. _